The Alco Black Beast
The restored racer that won the 1909 and 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Races and raced in the first Indy 500
Nicknamed “the Black Beast,” this was one of the most famous race cars of its era. A two-time winner of the Vanderbilt Cup, a major event in the early years of American motorsport, the car was the favorite to win the first Indianapolis 500-mile race in 1911.
Related Posts
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Mar 21 2011
In Search of Alcos: #6 1912 Alco Touring Car at Fondation Berliet, Lyon France
Over the last 25 years, it has been widely written that there are only 12 original, rebuilt and restored Alcos that exist in museums and private collections. As requested by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, I have been attempting to track down the Alco "12". As noted by Phil last…
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Mar 15 2011
In Search of Alcos: #5 1912 Alco 7-Passenger Touring Car at the Nethercutt Collection
Over the last 25 years, it has been widely accepted that there are only twelve original, rebuilt and restored Alcos that exist. As requested by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, I am trying to track down the Alco "12". As noted last week by Peter Becker, the fifth Alco can…
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Mar 09 2011
In Search of Alcos: #4 1913 Alco Convertible Touring Car at the Milhous Museum
In celebration of the centennial of the Inaugural Indy 500 Race this May, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is currently looking for cars representing the 24 manufacturers that competed in 1911 and were built from 1911 to 1961. Since American Locomotive Company ceased its Alco car production in 1913 and…
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Feb 21 2011
Archives: Alco Trucks
Links to related posts on VanderbiltCupRaces.com concerning Alco trucks:
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Jan 04 2011
The Planned 1912 Alco Racing Team & the Subsequent Withdrawal from Racing
In the Fall of 1911, the American Locomotive Company produced a brochure focusing on the features and specifications of their new four cylinder and six cylinder models.
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Dec 08 2010
The Three Alco Racers at the 1911 Elgin National Trophy Race
The 1911 Elgin National Trophy Race was the only major race in which American Locomotive Company supplied entries besides the Black Beast. The three Alcos in the race were serviced by a team of 12 drivers, mechanicians and mechanics. As captured in this photo provided by Lee Ferbin of…
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Dec 07 2010
Harry Grant Describes His Last Great Race with the Alco Black Beast
Harry Grant's last great race in the Alco-6 Black Beast Racer's was the 1911 Elgin National Trophy Race held on the Illinois course. Driver Harry Grant was shown here with his mechanician George Babcock prior to a practice run. This was the only major race in which mechanican Frank…
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Oct 21 2010
Manny Souza’s 1908 Alco &the Amazing Heritage Museums & Gardens J.K. Lilly III Automobile Collection
My visit and presentation at Cape Cod's Heritage Museums & Gardens were memorable. The automobile museum and the current "American Speed" exhibit are spectacular. Some highlights:
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Oct 18 2010
The Black Beast Helps Dedicate the East Williston New Village Hall
Last Saturday, the Black Beast participated in the dedication of the East Williston new Village Hall. Here are some highlights:
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Oct 14 2010
The Only Known Running Alco Truck In the World
The Hershey Flea Market was "tons" of fun with over 10,000 vendors and 100,000 attendees. But, my big thrill was encountering Tony Guarnaschelli and his 1912 Alco Two-Ton Truck.... believed to be the only running Alco truck left in the world.
Howard, Would love to have the opportunity to work on the brite work with you.