The Vanderbilt Cup Races

Continuing the documentation of the cars that participated in Vanderbilt Cup Races and its associated races, these are the 18 cars that raced in the first Vanderbilt Cup Race held on October 8, 1904. Each photo was taken during the race. Remember to click on the photos to enlarge the image:

 

#1 Mercedes (Germany) driven by Albert Campbell, 60 HP. Finished 5th- Running in Hicksville when race was called. Averaged 35 mph.

 

#2 De Dietrich (France) by Fernand Gabriel, 80 HP. Finished 8th-Retired in Hicksville with broken pump and frozen carburetor during lap 7.

 

#3 Royal Tourist (USA) driven by Joe Tracy, 35 HP. Finished 13th. Crack cylinder and crankcase on Bethpage Road during lap 2.

 

#4 Pope-Toledo (USA) driven by A.C.Webb, 60 HP. Finished 10th. Broke steering knuckle near Westbury grandstand duing lap 6.

 

#5 Mercedes (Germany) driven by George Arents, Jr., 60 HP. Finished 14th. Overturned in Elmont killing mechanician Carl Mensel during lap 2.

 

#6 Pope-Toledo (USA) driven by Herb Lytle, 24 HP. Finished 3rd. Running in Jericho when race called. Averaged 40 mph.

 

#7 Panhard (France) by George Heath, 90 HP. Finished 1st. Won by 1 minute and 28 seconds. Averaged 52.2 mph.

 

#8 Mercedes (Germany) driven by Edward Hawley, 90 HP. Finished 11th. Broke both front springs near Westbury grandstand during lap 5.

 

#9 Mercedes (Germany) driven by Wilhelm Werner, 90 HP. Finished 15th. Broke cylinder at Mineola RR crossing on Jericho Turnpike during lap 2.

 

#10 Fiat (Italy) driven by Paul Sartori, 90 HP. Finished 16th. Car arrived late and penalized over 2 hours. Defective clutch in Hempstead during lap 2.

 

#11 Renault (France) driven by Maurice Bernin, 60 HP. Finished 17th. Twisted shaft at Bethpage Road during lap 2.

 

#12 Clement-Bayard (France) driven by Albert Clement, Jr. 80 HP. Finished 2nd. Unsuccessfully protested race. Averaged 52 mph.

 

#14 Panhard (France) driven by Henri Tart, 90 HP. Finished 6th. Fixing tire near grandstand when race was called during his 9th lap. Averaged 41.9 mph.

 

#15 Panhard (France) driven by George Teste. 90 HP. Finished 12th. Led race after first 3 laps. Ignition problems on Bethpage Road during lap 4.

 

#16 Packard "Gray Wolf" (USA) to be driven by Charles Schmidt. 30 HP. Finished 4th. Running in Westbury when race called. Averaged 39.0 mph.

 

#17 Simplex (USA) driven by Frank Crocker. Finished 9th. 75 HP. Running in Queens when race was stopped. Averaged 29.9 mph.

 

#18 Mercedes (Germany) driven by William Luttgen. 60 HP. Finished 7th. Running in near grandstand when race was stopped. Averaged 39.1mph.

 

#19 Fiat (Italy) driven by William Wallace. 90 HP. Finished 18th. Defective clutch in Hicksville during lap 1.

Many of these cars can be seen in the American Mutoscope & Biograph film of the 1904 race.

-Links to the Starting Lineups of the Vanderbilt Cup Races and Associated Sweepstakes