Emil Diedt
Emil Albert Diedt (born Emil Albert Didt, March 17, 1897 – December 8, 1980) was an American race car builder. He specialized in body-building and metalwork, and his chassis won the Indianapolis 500 in 1947 and 1948 with Mauri Rose, and in 1949 with Bill Holland. Diedt's cars ran with Offenhauser engines, and the three victories were the only major American open-wheel racing (AAA) wins for him.
Emil Diedt | |
|---|---|
Diedt-built winner of the 1947 and 1948 Indianapolis 500s | |
| Born | Emil Albert Didt March 17, 1897 |
| Died | December 8, 1980 (aged 83) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Auto racing builder |
The 1947 and 1948 winning car, called "Blue Crown Special", had the particularity of being front-wheel driven. Diedt's cars competed in the FIA World Championship from 1950 to 1952, as the Indianapolis 500 was part of the championship during those years. The last participation in the Indianapolis 500 for a Diedt chassis was in 1952, and their last qualifying attempt was in 1953.