Entrants for the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Italian Vincenzo Lancia was an Early Favorite
Competing against the five American cars, France, Germany, and Italy started 14 of their greatest cars and drivers. F.I.A.T. provided five cars for Italy, with engines ranging from 90 to 120 hp. The most prominent driver in the race was Italian Vincenzo Lancia who won the 1904 Florio Cup, covering the 231 mile Italian course with a then astounding average speed of 71.88 mph. The affable Lancia was both the crowd and gamblers’ favorite and later went on to develop his own car company.
White Steamer In Front Of Harbor Hill Estate
A 40-hp White Steamer made by the White Sewing Machine Company was one of the five American entries. Seen with its driver Walter White practicing in front of financier Clarence Mackey’s 648-acre Harbor Hill estate in Roslyn, the steamer was the only steam powered car ever to compete for the Vanderbilt Cup.
Louis Chevrolet Makes His American Debut
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.
White Steamer Headquarters at Bull’s Head Hotel in Greenvale
The White Steamer was headquartered at Aloyous Huwer’s Bull’s Head Hotel. A popular location for viewing the race, the hotel and garage barn were located at the junction of North Hempstead Turnpike and Glen Cove Road in Greenvale.
Start of the 1905 Race in Mineola -->
1905
Feature
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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