Mystery Friday Foto #56 Solved: The #19 White Racer in the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Did you identify the #19 White Steamer?
Identify;
- The Race Car and driver
The 40hp, steam-powered #19 White Steamer driven by Walter White (Mechanician: John Hantak) The only non-gasoline powered car to ever compete in the Vanderbilt Cup Races.
- The exact location
Lakeville Road alongside W.K. Vanderbilt Jr.'s Deepdale estate in Lake Success at the almost exact spot where the entrance to the Motor Parkway entrance for the Great Neck lodge will be in a few more years. A 2020 mystery Foto was almost in this exact location as well.
- The date
Saturday, October 14, 1905, the day of the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race.
- Identify the major mechanical problem in the photo
White lost a left front tire during the race and it is missing in the photo. That, along with engine/mechanical problems caused his loss during the race.
Comments (2)
Congrats to Steve Lucas and Ray K for solving this week's mystery foto.
Greg O.
The yellow arrow on this 1926 (post Motor Parkway construction) aerial denotes the exact location of the mystery foto.
This 2020 photo shows what the location looks like today.
Willie K.'s wrought iron fence, (that is seen in the mystery foto) is still in place today.
Comments
That’s the #19 White Steamer racer being driven by Walter C. White. He is heading south on Lakeville Road in Lake Success at the eastern border of Willie K.‘s Deepdale Estate (iron fence in background). Photo was taken on October 14, 1905 during the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup race. White’s left front tire has come off the wheel.
1. Race Car & Driver:
The White Steamer driven by Walter White.
2. Exact Location:
Guinea Woods Turn. Here the left front tire was lost.
3. The Date:
October 14, 1905
4. Identify major mechanical problem:
Left front tire lost. In addition, not shown the car was having engine problems.
Fun Fact:
The White was the only steamer to ever compete in a Vanderbilt Cup Race.
Pretty cool that the wrought iron fence is still there 120 years later.