Vanderbilt Cup Races

May 05 2009
The National Highway Association’s #25 Motor Parkway License Plate

Gene, here's a neat coincidence- I also own the number 25 Motor Parkway red and white plate issued in 1928. Accordingly, I have researched this particular plate at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum. First , let's discuss the Motor Parkway plate -which was likely the first "E-Z" pass. (2 comments)

May 05 2009
The “X” Mercedes Racer in the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race

A total of 116 cars participated in the Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island from 1904 to 1910. Only one car raced without a number- the "X" Mercedes driven by American Al Campbell during the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race. As seen in this photo, the "X" car is making the "New Hyde Park Turn" at Lakeville Road and Jericho Turnpike. (0 comments)

May 03 2009
Great Neck Historical Society Presentation on Thursday, June 11, 2009

The Great Neck Historical Society will be hosting a presentation "Great Neck and Lake Success- Their Role in the Vanderbilt Cup Races and the Long Island Motor Parkway" on Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 7:30 PM in the Community Room at the Great Neck Library (159 Bayview Avenue). (4 comments)

May 02 2009
The Proposed Motor Parkway Monorail in Queens

In the early 1930s, the crushing impact of the Depression coupled with the ever-expanding free New York State highly system effectively sealed the fate of the Long Island Motor Parkway. Several innovative proposals were made for the parkway's right-of-way, including a monorail rapid transit system proposed by the Queens Chamber of Commerce in 1935. The above image is from the files of Wiliam K. Vanderbilt Jr. and courtesy of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum. (3 comments)

May 01 2009
Old 16 Rides Again In Dearborn: September 2008

For the 58th Annual Old Car Festival held September 6th & 7th, 2008 held at the Henry Ford, Old 16 was brought out and driven for the last time before being permanently retired to static exhibit according to the Youtube description. (0 comments)

Apr 30 2009
April 2009 Highlights: VanderbiltCupRaces.com records high viewership again

For the second consecutive month, VanderbiltCupRaces.com reach high monthly viewership surpassing the March total and averaging 80 unique daily visitors, up 22% over the 2008 stats. The highest monthly total occured in October 2008, the centennial celebration of the Long Island Motor Parkway. (0 comments)

Apr 30 2009
The Motor Parkway House in Central Park (Bethpage) Updated: June 25, 2014

This rare 1908 photo from the Garden City Archives shows the Motor Parkway House located on Powell Avenue in Central Park (now Bethpage)during the construction of the parkway. (5 comments)

Apr 28 2009
The Alco-6 Black Beast Racer in the First Indy 500

The Alco-6 Black Beast Racer participated in major automobile races throughout the United States from 1909 to 1911 including; two Vanderbilt Cup Races, the first Indy 500 Race, two Elgin Trophy Races, and one American Grand Prize Race. Until recently, the only Indy 500 image that I could find of the Alco was its arrival in Indianapolis. Widely distributed films of this race were of poor quality with the car #s unreadable. (0 comments)

Apr 25 2009
Guy Frost’s Favorite Vanderbilt Cup Race Photo

Guy Frost, chairman of the Vanderbilt Centennial Celebrations, has selected this photo as his favorite Vanderbilt Cup Race image. Taken during the 1908 race, referee William K. Vanderbilt Jr. is seen discussing the action with retired driver Joe Tracy. Joe drove in three Vanderbilt Cup Races (1904, 1905 and 1906) and two American Elimination Races (1905 and 1906). (1 comments)

Apr 24 2009
A CART Vanderbilt Cup Sighting in 2007

As noted last week, the one and only Vanderbilt Cup was gifted by William K. Vanderbilt Jr. to the Smithsonian Institution in November 1934. The Smithsonian promised that this historic racing trophy would be prominently featured in their transportation exhibit. Unfortunately, the trophy has been in a storage closet for several years and has been available for only a few special exhibits. (3 comments)