The Vanderbilt Cup Races

The six Vanderbilt Cup Races held on Long Island from 1904 to 1910 were the greatest sporting events of their day. These exciting and dangerous races were the first international automobile road races held in the United States, drawing huge crowds from 25,000 to over 250,000 spectators. The races had a far-reaching impact on the development of American automobiles and parkways and are a testament to the early racing spirit and drama.

The Latest from the Blog:

Thursday,3/11/10: Article “Driving The Ford” & the Future of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race Winner

posted on Wednesday, March 10 2010 by Howard Kroplick

The Spring 2010 issue of Hagerty's magazine profiles Bob Casey, curator of the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. The article "Driving "The Ford" describes the current condition of "Old 16" and speculates about its future.

Here is Bob Casey in front of his Old 16. Highlights from the article:

At the opposite end of the spectrum is Old Number 16, the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup-winning Locomobile Racer. All of its exterior finishes are original. Casey read about it as a kid in Ken W.Purdy's seminal The Kings of the Road. "Bringing it here was the fulfillment of a childhood dream," Casey says. Not unexpectedly, its conservation is a continuing battle. "From time to time, paint will flake off and we'll literally glue it back on."

The engine of Old Number 16 presents the museum's most serious preservation issue. "Recently, we noticed a crack in the combustion chamber. We're monitoring it and it's clearly getting worse; oil is starting to mix with water. Old Number 16 has been run every year since 1906. We haven't said we'll never run it again, but if we do, it will be very sparingly."

Casey's love for the car is evident: "When it runs at twilight, you can see flames coming from the exhaust; at idle, you can hear the individual explosions and it literally blows smoke rings from the exhaust." It visually saddens him that this living and breathing piece of history may become inanimate. However, Casey can take satisfaction in knowing that his efforts have ensured that Old Number 16 will remain on display where thousands of people will see it each year.

As seen in this film, Old 16 was last run in September 2008.

Enjoy,

Howard Kroplick

__________________________________________________________

Feedback and contributions are much appreciated on VanderbiltCupRaces.com . Please leave your comments at the end of a post on the Blog or send an email to me at Howard@Kroplick.com .

Future Howard Kroplick and Black Beast Events

-March 25, 2010 to August 8, 2010, Exhibition "Cars, Culture and the City", Museum of the City of New York

-Monday, March 22, 2010: Presentation "The Incredible Vanderbilt Cup Races" by Howard Kroplick. Restored Rusty Relics Car Club, Paramus, New Jersey. To benefit Child Abuse Prevention Services.

-Sunday, April 11, 2010, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Fifth Annual Spring Car Show Fundraiser, Smithtown. To benefit the St. Patrick School.

-Saturday, May 15, 2010: National Police Week Family Day, 1490 Franklin Avenue, Mineola. To celebrate the 85th anniversary of the Nassau County Police Department.

-Sunday, July 18, 2010, New York AutoFest 3, Hicksville. To benefit St. Paul the Apostle Knights of Columbus Council 6802.

-Sunday, September 12, 2010: The LI Moose Classic Car Club's 10th Anniversary Show, Mattituck. To benefit the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge, #1742.