Vanderbilt Cup Races

In 1905, the American Hardware Corporation, makers of screws and locks, had a dream to make New Britain, Connecticut the automobile capital of the world by financing the Corbin Motor Vehicle Company. Their inital product line included two-air-cooled models that featured metal brake shoes, apparently a first for an American production car. To help promote their brand, the company entered a Corbin "Cannonball" racer in the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race.

Corbin selected Joe Matson, winner of the 1909 Massapequa Sweepstakes, to drive the "Cannonball". As seen in this photo, Matson and his race team posed at their headquarters at the Grand Central Hotel in Hicksville.

During the tenth lap of the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race, the Corbin's water pipe broke and left the race. The "Cannonball" finished 24th of the 30 cars entered. Over eight years, the Corbin Motor Vehicle Company hand built over 600 cars. However, unable to compete with the Detroit production lines, Corbin finally closed down in 1912.

This Saturday, history will be made as the Corbin "Cannonball" will be together with the Alco "Black Beast" at the Klingberg Vintage Motorcar Festival in New Britain, Connecticut from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Come hear the "Black Beast" roar and the "Cannonball" blast!