About
The six Vanderbilt Cup Races held on Long Island from 1904 to 1910 were the greatest sporting events of their day, and the first international automobile road races held in the United States. The races had a far-reaching impact on the development of American automobiles and parkways. This site provides comprehensive information on the races, the Long Island Motor Parkway and current Long Island automotive events, car shows and news.
All Content © 2026 VanderbiltCupRaces.com
Co-Founder and Writer: Howard Kroplick
Co-Founder: Dana Kroplick
Website by Eric Miller Design
Site maintained by Hop Studios
Recent Comments
-Who is the driver of the car and his passenger?
Henry Austin Clark Jr. Not sure. Maybe a family member?
-Where was the photo taken and its approximate year.
Main Street in Southampton in the 1950’s.
-What was the original manufacturer and make of the car?
1926 Ford model T
-How did the car work?
A Model T Ford that was shortened and the rear axle connected directly to the transmission. This left a vehicle that with just the right balance that would produce long wheel-stands
From Mystery Foto #93 Solved: Henry Austin Clark, Jr. in his 1926 Model T Acrobatic in Southampton, NY
Just a note Howard - the area north of Deadman’s Curve leading to Central Avenue is owned by King Kullen which houses their headquarters just east of the roadway. The property was bought in 2003 from a group called Herbil Holding Co., a property management firm. Based on tax dept. assessed value for the parcels it comprises is about $1MM.
From Motor Parkway Trails #3: Bethpage Along the Central Railroad Right-Of Way
The driver is: Henry Austin Clark and wife as passenger. Location is eastern Long island. Date not known. The vehicle is a make over possibly from a jeep or small car. Thanks and Best !!! Ron
From Mystery Foto #93 Solved: Henry Austin Clark, Jr. in his 1926 Model T Acrobatic in Southampton, NY
Wow!!! I saw that article in Newsday . What a step forward that is for us, just hope it continues and not just a lot of talk about it happening
From Newsday: "Vanderbilt LI Motor Parkway trail gets $1.8M in federal funds"
I wasn’t too far wrong. I knew that #3 gave Volkswagon the idea for the Karmann Ghia
From Mystery Foto #92 Solved: Three Chrysler Ghia Concept Cars
Great news, Howard. Another good place to ride our pedal powered vehicles, too!
Thanks for all your efforts. See you soon, maybe this Saturday at the
Freeport Recreation Center for the Long Island Auto Replica Society’s (LIARS)
annual MODEL CAR CHALLENGE judged model car show and swap meet.
We are once again expecting about 300 beautifully built model cars, trucks,
and motorcycles from all over the Northeastern United States.
Spectators are welcome - adults only $5.00, under 11 free w/ adult admission.
Thanks again for the great news!—Ernie
From Kleiner's Kolumn: Update on the Nassau County Motor Parkway Trail at Eisenhower Park
From Frank Femenias
Concept Car #1 (Foreground): 1954 Chrysler Desoto Adventurer II
This design, largely the effort of Ghia, featured the long hood, short deck style that was similar to the Corvette. It had no front bumper and was never seriously considered for production. However, the Adventurer name did live on in 1956 to 1960 Desoto models. Similar to the big Chrysler 300 letter series cars, the Adventurer is highly underappreciated in the auction market today despite its excellent drivetrain and design.
Concept Car #2 (Middle): 1954 Dodge Firearrow II
Concept Car #3 (Rear): 1953 Chrysler D’Elegance
Styled by Ghia of Italy, this prototype just oozes sex appeal. It was the signature effort from Virgil Exner, Chrysler’s styling guru. In the early 1950’s, Chrysler was experiencing lagging sales and Exner was commissioned to build a series of concepts to pique the customer’s interests. With its distinctive full wheel openings to the gun sight taillights on the rear fenders, this was a true beauty. This design was later purchased by Volkswagen and it was modified to become the Karmann Ghia.
From Mystery Foto #92 Solved: Three Chrysler Ghia Concept Cars
Sirs..
where can I find information about the Locomobile “Old 16”.....Vanderbiltt Cup winner..??
thank you
Dr McDade
_____________________________________________________
From Howard Kroplick
Dr. McDade, Old 16 is pn display at the Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan:
http://www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/blog/tag/henry+ford+museum .
From Henry Austin Clark Jr. 1974 Article: "The Vanderbilt Cup Races- Part I: 1904"
All of the cars appear to be Ghia concept cars. Car #1 is a 1954 DeSoto Adventurer II Ghia Concept Car. Car #2 is a 1954 Dodge Firearrow II by Ghia. Car #3 is a 1953 Chrysler Ghia-D’Elegance. The venue is most likely the Autodromo Nazionale Monza race track.
From Mystery Foto #92 Solved: Three Chrysler Ghia Concept Cars
From Frank Femenias
Howard,
Nice job on the bike paths in Nassau County. Because of the strong effort, congratulations to one and all!
Frank
From Kleiner's Kolumn: Update on the Nassau County Motor Parkway Trail at Eisenhower Park
Need not say more, but keep up the good work
From Kleiner's Kolumn: Update on the Nassau County Motor Parkway Trail at Eisenhower Park
Congratulations Howard, you guys have done such an amazing job.
From Kleiner's Kolumn: Update on the Nassau County Motor Parkway Trail at Eisenhower Park
There was a time in the mid ‘70s before vintage racing got going that Austin offered to store and display in his museum my 1962 SCCA BP race car, old # 69 that I got from Frank Dominianni. Can furnish photos and add to the story if there might be interest. Unfortunately I will not be able to make the meeting. Got this notice via Howard Kroplick. Thx
___________________________________
From Howard Kroplick
Jan, please email them to me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) . Thanks
From Hold the Date:11/20/14: "A Tribute to Henry Austin Clark, Jr & the Long Island Automotive Museum"
Had to research but it was fun. Searching for concept cars turned out interesting and amazing. Thank you Bill for posting the photo and for the fun time that followed.
Foreground: 1954 Chrysler Desoto Adventurer II
Center: 1954 Dodge Firearrow II
Background: 1953 Chrysler D’Elegance
Location of photo may possibly be the Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge car testing facility where the vehicles appear prepared for transport to….? 1954?
From Mystery Foto #92 Solved: Three Chrysler Ghia Concept Cars
Shucks. Wish I could make it. I hope it is video-taped. Went there when I was 10-years-old, and had a memorable ride in the Shady Hollow fire truck!
From Hold the Date:11/20/14: "A Tribute to Henry Austin Clark, Jr & the Long Island Automotive Museum"
NICE WORK HOWARD
From Kleiner's Kolumn: Update on the Nassau County Motor Parkway Trail at Eisenhower Park
The best I can do is call them all Chrysler’s.
From Mystery Foto #92 Solved: Three Chrysler Ghia Concept Cars
A Mopar Fest !
I believe,
Front - 1954 Desoto Adventurer II
Center - 1954 Dodge Firearrow II
Rear - 1952 Chrysler D’Elegance
I do not know where, but have a suspicion that it is Sebring. I have no reason for this thought,
Thanks As Always,
Antiqueynot
From Mystery Foto #92 Solved: Three Chrysler Ghia Concept Cars
Job well done, Howard! Thanks for being the soul and inspiration behind this important project.
From Kleiner's Kolumn: Update on the Nassau County Motor Parkway Trail at Eisenhower Park
Congratulations, Howard and congratulations Nassau County! Awesome.
From Kleiner's Kolumn: Update on the Nassau County Motor Parkway Trail at Eisenhower Park
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