Vanderbilt Cup Races

The photo was taken April 17, 1964 or shortly there after at the Ford Motor Company World Fair pavillion in New York. It is Henry Ford II sitting on the rail near the main enterance. The Mustang is a 260 V-8 convertible. It was red with a white top.  The 1964 Pavillion is round like the 1939 Rotunda was.

From Mystery Foto #84 Solved: Henry Ford II at the Ford Pavilion at the 1964 Word's Fair

That is Henry Ford II sitting on the rail of the display for the 1965 Ford Mustang at the Ford Pavilion during the 1964 World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows Park, Queens N.Y. The date is on or about April 17 1964. April 17 was the debut of the Mustang to the world.

From Mystery Foto #84 Solved: Henry Ford II at the Ford Pavilion at the 1964 Word's Fair

Sitting on the rail is Henry Ford II, at the unveiling of the Ford Mustang at the Ford pavilion at the 1964 NY World’s Fair. Official unveiling of the Mustang was April 17, 1964, so the picture would be that date or one very close to it. Connection to the Motor Parkway (albeit it not in a positive way), Robert Moses was President of the NY Worlds Fair.

From Mystery Foto #84 Solved: Henry Ford II at the Ford Pavilion at the 1964 Word's Fair

Who paid for the bridge that was built in 1931? Was that section of the Parkway closed during the building of the bridge or did Vanderbilt work with NYS creating a detour through the NSP construction zone?
____________________________________
From Howard Kroplick:

New York State paid for the bridge. There was a detour through the Northern State Parkway section during construction.

From Motor Parkway Trails #2: Lake Success

April 17, 1964 at the New York World’s Fair
Henry Ford seen introducing the first Mustang auto.

From Mystery Foto #84 Solved: Henry Ford II at the Ford Pavilion at the 1964 Word's Fair

I had a hunch this was the “1964 Worlds Fair” and that’s definitely a “Ford” mustang. Putting those two phrases together into an image search gave me that exact picture with the caption “The launch of the Ford Mustang at the 1964 World’s Fair with Henry Ford II”

My cousin had one of those in the ‘60’s. Riding in that was the first time I ever went 100 MPH.

From Mystery Foto #84 Solved: Henry Ford II at the Ford Pavilion at the 1964 Word's Fair

That’s Henry Ford II in front of the Ford Pavilion at the N.Y. World’s Fair on April 17, 1964 for the debut of the new Mustang. A week later on opening day, I remember “riding” in one as it took you through the Ford exhibit. Note the full-size Ford convertible in the glass enclosed runway at the top of the photo. As a marketing strategy, most, if not all, of those were replaced by Mustangs by opening day.

From Mystery Foto #84 Solved: Henry Ford II at the Ford Pavilion at the 1964 Word's Fair

The man is Henry Ford II and he is sitting in front of the newly released Mustang at the Ford Pavilion in the 1964-65 New York Worlds Fair. the time has to be in the spring of 1964.

From Mystery Foto #84 Solved: Henry Ford II at the Ford Pavilion at the 1964 Word's Fair

Lee Iacocca introducing the Mustang in front of the Ford pavilion at the World’s Fair on April 17, 1964.

From Mystery Foto #84 Solved: Henry Ford II at the Ford Pavilion at the 1964 Word's Fair

And as far as the electric starter, did it always have that as well ? Can you still crank the motor by hand ? mike
______________________________________

From Howard Kroplick

The starter was added around 15 years ago in Europe. The Black Beast still can be hand cranked.

From Video "Taking a Ride in the Black Beast"

As a Chrysler fan myself, it was great to see this car come into the hands of Howard Kroplick.  It has been beautifully restored and through Howard’ s generosity,
everyone can get to view it.  I hope it is appreciated at the Grand Concours!

From Inthedriveway.com : "1937 Imperial C-15: 'Chrysler's Chrysler' meets Pebble"

May I add my own sincere congratulations on this remarkable achievement.  I am a huge fan of art deco and of Chrysler the man and Chrysler the car.  I hope there will be a book and/or magazine articles about this wonderful restoration.  You have saved an important and magnificent work of art and piece of American history.

Thank you sincerely.
_________________________________________

From Howard Kroplick:
Reg, Thanks for the comments! Hemming Classic Car is developing a two-series on the car.

From Video: "The 1937 Chrysler's Chrysler at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance "

Great time!!! The whole family was excited and happy to see ole #8 in person and meet Howard… Thanks again what a great guy! The Himes Museum what a gem, just a fun, great day!

From Smiles and Thumbs Ups from the 2014 Old Timer's Day at the Himes Museum

Austin Clark jr. helped me tremendously in my research of the FRP automobile of Port Jefferson in l914-15 years ago.  He was a personal friend of Mr.Porter and had all the scrapbooks and notes and photos from the FRP company.  Austin’s library at his home in Glen Cove rivaled many public institutions with collections of automotive history.  Thankfully, most of this collection is now in the Detroit Library system.  Austin was a generous man and the “Iron Range Days” at the museum were always an adventure.  The closing of the Southampton Museum was a genuine loss to Long Island.  The collection certainly was not pristine, but it was always enjoyable and interesting to visit.  Much more interesting was the huge collection of early trucks and buses housed in buildings behind the museum….bumper to bumper and fender to fender!  These are now probably scattered all over the country after being auctioned off in several auctions at the museum before the passing of Austin Clark jr.  I have several artifacts and printed material from the days of the museum and the museum in NY city..”.Carnival of Cars” in the mid-50s.  Austin Clark jr. was truly a pioneer and promoter in the early days of this hobby on Long Island.

From Memories of Henry Austin Clark, Jr.

Chrysler’s Chrysler typifies why I am an automobile buff. Just beautiful.

From AutoExpress.co.uk: "Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2014: 10 best cars"

One beautiful piece of art!!

From Chrysler’s Chrysler Chronicle XIII: Completing the Restoration

You must be so proud,,,,, congrats!!

From Video: "The 1937 Chrysler's Chrysler at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance "

Before you began this adventure some were of the opinion Chrysler’ Chrysler should remain “original”.  Upon completion you must be so happy about your decision.  Beautiful job. I’ll miss the updates and look forward to the Hemmings article.
_________________________________________________

From Howard Kroplick

It was an easy decision since the wood frame had deteriorated to the point that the automobile would have collapsed if driven over the next 2-5 years.

From Chrysler’s Chrysler Chronicle XIII: Completing the Restoration

The Sea Cove museum was the largest collection of brass-era cars some years ago before Mr. Payne’ passing.  The FRP car (built on Port Jefferson) was in that collection also.  A museum most worthwhile visiting is the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich, New York.  It has over 200 on display…each one pristine…and perhaps the largest collection of cars built in New York State.  It is a VERY HIGH QUALITY and friendly museum to visit!!!!

From Favorite Northeast Automotive Museums & Exhibits

I also was not there this year but my son Jody was.  Marty Himes and Howard Kroplick…two of the greatest!!!!!!!  Jody sez he’d love to tune up “The Beast”....he earned the title of “Mr. FIXIT from many tours with the Model Ts over the years….he’s an expert with many things mechanical…not bragging…just repeating what others have said.  Marty’s museum is always interesting and fun and he is too!  Howard….I TRULY appreciate what you have done to preserve the history of the grand Old Motor Parkway and I thank you for your extreme generosity in sharing it with everyone…We need more people like you!!!!  I look forward to meeting you again on one of our ventures.

From Smiles and Thumbs Ups from the 2014 Old Timer's Day at the Himes Museum