Kleiner’s Korner: From Vanderbilt Cup Racer to Jaguar XK120
Here's the story of how George Robertson's mechanician in the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race Elimination Trial 40 years later got to test drive a Jaguar XK120.
Arthur Chester Warren was the mechanician for George Robertson in the Apperson "Jackrabbit" in the 1906 Elimination Trial. As told by Warren himself he was asked to test drive a new Jaguar 40 years later and compare the "old" racers with the "new" sports cars. All material from "Sport Car Magazine" unless noted otherwise.
Art Kleiner
Back in a Sports Car
The mechanican at the wheel of a new Jaguar sports car approx. 40 years after his participation in the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race Elimination Trial.
How He Got There
A fear of accidents caused a 40 year hiatus from driving fast cars.
First car was a French Panhard in 1906.
The opportunity arises to get behind the wheel once again.
The scar (both physical and mental) from the accident in Robertson's "Jackrabbit" provided a lifelong memory.
The Robertson Elimination Race Accident
Robertson and Warren in the ill-fated Apperson "Jackrabbit".
The end result: note the typo indicating the accident occurred during the 1907 Vanderbilt Cup Race.
Comparions
Differences between now (1946) and then (1906).
Making the old cars lighter by drilling holes.
Preparing for the test drive.
Feeling right at home in the driver's seat!
Besides the Robertson accident it appears Warren also suffered injuries in a crash that occurred during a race at Elkwood, NJ in 1908.
Two years earlier in May, 1906 Warren was arrested for speeding doing over 35 mph on Hillside Ave. in Queens. Guess his urge to race wasn't confined only to designated courses or tracks.
More on the Jaguar XK120. (Photo from "flourishandmajesty.tumblr.com")
Comments
Neat article Art!