Vanderbilt Cup Races

That’s the 1905 Christie 4-cylinder front wheel drive racer designed by J. Walter Christie, which at one time had two engines, one in front and one in the rear. It participated in the 1905 American Elimination Trials with George Robertson driving and finished 6th. With Christie himself driving, it participated in the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race, colliding with Lancia on I. U. Willets Road in Albertson, and was credited with 17th. place.

From Mystery Friday Foto #51 Solved: J. Walter Christie's 1905 Vanderbilt Cup racer

J.W. CHRISTIE
1904
J.W. CHRISTE
FIRST RACE WAS ORMAND BEACK, FLORIDA. FINISHED 5TH AND LAST
1905 WON THE LOZIER TROPHY
1905 VANDERBILT RACE - DIRVER WAS GEORGE ROBERTSON
At one point in 1905 the car had a second engine in the rear, but it was damaged during one of the track or beach events Christie competed in prior to the Vanderbilt Cup Elimination Trial. As a result, it was removed
George Robertson charged into the Jericho turn, blew a tire and destroyed a wood-spoke wheel. Robertson telephoned the referees for permission to change the wheel, and after some deliberation he was allowed to do so – but the race was lost.
1906 Ormand Beach, after installing a larger engine, 13 litre - V-4 engine, Christe was again at the wheel. After hitting debris, damaging the engine, he was out of the race again.
1907 without using parts from his previous cars, he entered the French Grand Prix.
Making it to the starting line, engine and or clutch problems forced him out of the
race on lap 4. Although his race attempts were un-successful, he did introduce the front wheel drive early on.

From Mystery Friday Foto #51 Solved: J. Walter Christie's 1905 Vanderbilt Cup racer

First front wheel drive car
1905
J. Walter Christie
1905 American Elimination Race, driven by George Robertson, finished 6th
1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race, driven by Christie, finished 17th after accident with Vincenzo Lancia in a Fiat.

From Mystery Friday Foto #51 Solved: J. Walter Christie's 1905 Vanderbilt Cup racer

1905 Christie front drive race car. Designer John Walter Christie.  The car was a transverse, 4 cylinder front wheel drive automobile, first seen at the January 1905 Ormond Beach races.  Between July 3 and September 8, Christie installed another transverse, 4 cylinder motor in the rear, driving the rear wheels, making it a 4 wheel drive racer. It had a claimed 120hp.  Christie needed this extra horsepower to try and beat Webb Jay’s White steam race car.  These two went head to head at Morris Park over the 4th of July celebrations.  Webb Jay represented the Chicago Automobile Club. Walter Christie represented the Automobile Club of America. Webb Jay won 2 of the 3 races, including the Final.
Christie later reached 93mph on a beach race at Cape May, NJ. 
September 8, he blew up the rear motor, and returned the car to it’s normal front drive configuration for the September Vanderbilt Cup Elimination Race. George Robertson drove the Elimination Race, but Walter took over for the main Cup event.

From Mystery Friday Foto #51 Solved: J. Walter Christie's 1905 Vanderbilt Cup racer

If you bought a Levitt cape in the fall of 1947 on Orchid rd facing north near Crocus lane you would regularly see planes take off and land from out your kitchen and living room windows The LIACC was operating until the end of spring 1948.

From Video of the Week: Newsreel; Levittown in the 1950's

My parents were among the first 300 residents of Levittown in 1947. It was a great place to grow up. They “upgraded” to another house down the street in 1954 at a cost of $9,200. That house today is worth about $750,000.

From Video of the Week: Newsreel; Levittown in the 1950's

-

From Alert: Fake Images of the Long Island Motor Parkway Using Artificial Intelligence

Going for a one day record!

From Alert: Fake Images of the Long Island Motor Parkway Using Artificial Intelligence

More

From Alert: Fake Images of the Long Island Motor Parkway Using Artificial Intelligence

They just do not stop!

From Alert: Fake Images of the Long Island Motor Parkway Using Artificial Intelligence

Howard Hope you are having a great Holiday. I sent over an e-mail and was wondering if the Duesenberg came out of the Bill Bushea collection? I was talking with o0ne of my customers and his nephew (bills son of Grandson) was probably handling the sale. Very small world. Really odd think my sons mother in-law is now Leasing that Building. Really Crazy Thanks Ed
Also a good friend of Mine would like to know if you can write an article for her Magazine on the 31. it could be a several parts before during and after restoration. Let me know and I can Hook you up Her Name Is Shannon Olson All the Best Thanks Ed LI & NYC Oldsmobile Club

From The Howard & Roz Kroplick Collection: Updated January 9, 2025

They are not getting better

From Alert: Fake Images of the Long Island Motor Parkway Using Artificial Intelligence

Thanks Howard. It’s becoming clearer how difficult to restore any older automobile. Please post a pic of the original bulb that had to be replaced.

From (Update 12/24/24) A Close Look at the Duesenberg J Instrumentation

Frank, In the words of Steve Babinsky, those indicator bulbs are made of the elusive material called ‘Unobtanium’.

From (Update 12/24/24) A Close Look at the Duesenberg J Instrumentation

Brian, the RR spur on the topo map most likely has association/history with the development of the LIMP in the Wheatley Heights/Dix Hills area during 1910. Happy Holidays to you Brian and to viewers here on VanderbiltCupRaces.com. 

From Kleiner's Korner: 100 Years Ago on the Motor Parkway (Oct. - Nov., 1924)

Congratulations on this Most Awesome acquisition, Howard.
A well deserved addition to your unique collection of automobiles.
All the Best, and a most Happy and Healthy New Year!

From (Update 12/24/24) A Close Look at the Duesenberg J Instrumentation

I forgot to mention a trip-set odometer as well, among other features of the future!

From (Update 12/24/24) A Close Look at the Duesenberg J Instrumentation

Ahead of its time. Newly implemented chrome plating (1924) on the gauge’s bezels. Appears the altimeter was added after the initial dashboard design. Interesting to see what these early indicator light incandescent bulbs look like and how difficult to obtain them today. Thanks Greg for posting and congrats Howard on this beauty’s acquisition.

From (Update 12/24/24) A Close Look at the Duesenberg J Instrumentation

Thanks gentlemen for your input.  Always good to get more info.  when available.
Here are links to two pages on my original website with further details.  Since I began contributing to vanderbiltcupraces.com I haven’t update the site in quite a while so new explorations of the areas are probably warranted.

Happy Holidays to all!
https://www.artsmotorparkwaysite.com/colonial-springs-rd—update
https://www.artsmotorparkwaysite.com/wyandanch

From Kleiner's Korner: 100 Years Ago on the Motor Parkway (Oct. - Nov., 1924)

Yet one more. I’m also noticing many more from this one particular Facebook page.

From Alert: Fake Images of the Long Island Motor Parkway Using Artificial Intelligence