FIAT #16  (1905)

Louis Chevrolet Makes His American Debut (1905)
Louis Chevrolet Makes His American Debut
Courtesy of The Helck Family Collection

Another F.I.A.T. was driven by a novice Swiss-born driver whose name would eventually become one of the most famous brands in American car history ─Louis Chevrolet. Known for his daring and sometimes reckless racing style, Chevrolet completely destroyed his 110-hp F.I.A.T. the Monday before the race in a practice run. Uninjured, Chevrolet used a back-up 90-hp car for the race.

Louis Chevrolet in the Italian #16 F.I.A.T. in Old Westbury (1905)
Louis Chevrolet in the Italian #16 F.I.A.T. in Old Westbury
Courtesy of The Helck Family Collection

As Louis Chevrolet in his 90-hp #16 F.I.A.T. made the Guinea Woods Turn on lap seven, he stood in tenth place. His car was soon out of the race as he ran into a telegraph pole at the “S” Curve at Willis Avenue and I.U. Willets Road in Albertson.

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The 128-page book by Howard Kroplick, a researcher and lecturer on the races, contains rare images of the races from the archives of major museums, libraries and private collectors. The book Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island will be available from Arcadia Publishing in March 2008.

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Louis Chevrolet Makes His American Debut Louis Chevrolet in the Italian #16 F.I.A.T. in Old Westbury