Russell "Cliff" Durant
This is a picture of "The Castle", Cliff and Lea’s home in
Roscommon that burnt to the ground before it was
ever occupied. While painters had taken a into
town for more paint to finish the grape vines inside
"Durant's Castle", their turpentine rags caught fire and
the Castle was a complete loss
The land they owned, aprox. 2,600 acres, is now a
state nature preserve, The Mason Tract. If you’re a fly
fisherman, this is the Holy Grail of Trout Fishing. .
The foundation remained open until the late 80's or early 90's.
We used to be able to explore the open foundations and
rooms of the basement. Yet today, you will find
a picnic area and information posted on the filled
in foundation of the Castle. The cache is hidden behind
the ruins of what is described as
part of the servant's quarters
Also, Cliff was an American racecar driver and the
son of William C. Durant, the founder of General Motors.
Cliff should also be noted for his contribution to the world
of auto racing. Because of his insight and financial backing the
Miller Straight Eight Front Wheel Drive Racing Engine was
developed by Harry Miller and Tommy Milton.
That engine was revolutionary and dominated the international
racing scene for approximately the next 50-75 years.
Cliff's car, the Junior Eight, is in the Indy 500 museum.
Another one of his cars (pleasure) is in the
Auburn Cord Museum. Miller was an automotive design
genius and also developed motors for airplanes and boats.
In addition to his aviation, racing and golf he was also a
yachtsman who sailed around the world on his yacht,
the Aurora. He was also an excellent musician,
violin, among other instruments. Cliff was also the Vice
President for Sales and Marketing for Chevrolet
of California and later West Coast Distributor
and General Manager of Durant Motors of California
Cliff Durant's Indy 500 results
