The Gar Wood Speedster is a model of high‑performance run‑about motorboat produced by the Gar Wood company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the early 1930s. Designed as a competitive racing craft and a luxury sport boat, the Speedster is noted for its distinctive narrow hull, streamlined styling, and powerful aircraft‑type engines.
Design and Construction
- Hull: The Speedster featured a narrow, deep‑V hull of mahogany or cedar planking over a sturdy frame, providing reduced drag and improved handling at high speeds.
- Length: Early models measured approximately 15 feet (4.6 m) in length overall; some later variants extended to 16 feet (4.9 m).
- Engine: Original Speedsters were equipped with high‑output gasoline engines, most commonly the 125 hp (93 kW) Gar Wood V‑12, though some owners installed alternative powerplants such as the 150 hp Packard or the 225 hp Westinghouse Marine engine.
- Control Layout: The cockpit housed a simple steering wheel, throttle, and gear lever, with minimal instrumentation, reflecting the boat’s racing focus.
- Aesthetic: The boat’s design included a low-profile cabin canopy, a tapered bow, and a pronounced “step” in the hull to aid planing.
Production History
- Manufacturing period: 1931–1935.
- Units built: Approximately 25–30 Speedsters were produced, making the model relatively rare.
- Pricing: In 1932, a new Gar Wood Speedster retailed for around US $1,800, equivalent to roughly US $35,000 in 2024 dollars when adjusted for inflation.
Performance and Usage
- Speed: With a 125 hp engine, the Speedster could exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) on water, a notable achievement for small craft of the era.
- Racing: The boat was entered in the Gold Cup and other regional speedboat races, where its light weight and powerful engine gave it a competitive edge.
- Recreation: Besides racing, owners used the Speedster for day cruising and as a status symbol among affluent boating enthusiasts.
Notable Owners and Legacy
- Gar Wood himself owned several Speedsters for personal use and demonstration.
- Celebrity owners: In the 1930s, the Speedster attracted the attention of Hollywood figures and wealthy industrialists, including actor Clark Gable and businessman Henry Ford II, who commissioned custom-painted versions.
- Museum pieces: Surviving examples are displayed at institutions such as the Marine Historical Museum in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, New York.
Historical Significance
The Gar Wood Speedster exemplifies early 20th‑century advances in marine engineering, particularly the application of aircraft‑type engines to small watercraft. Its combination of racing performance and luxury appointments illustrates the dual market strategy pursued by Gar Wood during the interwar period. The rarity and distinctive design of the Speedster have made it a sought‑after collector’s item, contributing to the preservation of classic American motorboat heritage.
