Primarily known as an engineer and his lasting legacy was a front drive system for the Cord motor car and engine building for race cars. Cornelius worked with most of the main manufacturers of the era - Fred Duesenberg, Harry Miller, Gaston Chevrolet and Henry Ford - but originally worked on engines and engine castings. van Ranst's career as a driver came about when he shook down the cars to check his designs and peformance and posted some quick times. This also allowed him to understand cars from a drivers perspective and his 1921 experience led to more and more design brilliance. One of his other legacies was to design a really successful short-track car for sprint and dirt car racing so that as many people as possible could go and enjoy racing.

Biography last updated 12 Aug 2015