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
I don’t know about it ever being in the Bob Bahre collection. It was in the collection of an aquaintance of mine from at least 1985 until it was sold to leno. I have a photo taken of another collection car with Rabbit in the background circa 2011. I have heard it run. You don’t forget that…
From Henry Ford Museum 1966 Program: Sports Cars in Review
Howard Kroplick
New photos submitted by Brian McCarthy and Greg O.
From Update- Mystery Foto #9 Solved: The Northern State Parkway Gateway in 1933
Still keeping up with what’s happening,but this time I have to answer. I knew the answer to the two tone car,but you didn’t give the answer yet,is it a Nash? I knew right off the bat,because one of my neighbors had one,when I lived in Brooklyn. I wasn’t sure about the rest and don’t have time to research it,so till next time,keep history alive.
From Update- Mystery Foto #9 Solved: The Northern State Parkway Gateway in 1933
“Speedy roadway”, Frank? The limit then was 35mph! So I was turned around in my recollected orientation but I KNEW I’d been there. I started driving the parkways (extra-legally in NYC at first) in 1950 and it didn’t jump up to 40mph until a bit after that. Did anyone pick up on the SECOND two-tone “bathtub” Nash in front of the Statesman? I’d say that’s a 1940 Buick approaching at left, preceding two ca. ‘38 GMs (LaSalle/Caddy?), and there’s a 1942-48 Chrysler product leading the lineup at far right (by the sign). An I recall me aright, that small dark sign facing east above the Statesman read “NO TURNS / POLICE VEHICLES ONLY”. Sam, III
From Update- Mystery Foto #9 Solved: The Northern State Parkway Gateway in 1933
Brian - Here is a link to the GCP/NSP expansion over time. Also included the Police Barracks just down the road, which is now consumed by the NSP westbound lanes. Not sure where the booth came from but possibly used by the troopers to stop commercial traffic from proceeding east towards the low bridges up ahead. In my opinion the booth too is sitting precariously close with no protection by the speedy roadway .
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1396j0_672hYkvbcNFJInbc1mXNJspD9f&ll=40.75951529853337,-73.70957339193177&z=17
From Update- Mystery Foto #9 Solved: The Northern State Parkway Gateway in 1933
I thought maybe this was close to a state park off the NSP. Guess the gateways are gone presently due to road widening? Sure everyone noticed the small octagon shaped booth structure. Willy K donate a kiosk to Robert Moses?
From Update- Mystery Foto #9 Solved: The Northern State Parkway Gateway in 1933
Looks like in 1950 Nash statesman
From Update- Mystery Foto #9 Solved: The Northern State Parkway Gateway in 1933
In Greg’s photo, that’s either a 1949 or 1950 Nash Ambassador.
From Update- Mystery Foto #9 Solved: The Northern State Parkway Gateway in 1933
The Question…Can anyone identify the year and make of the two-tone automobile approaching the border between Queens and Nassau County?
The answer…The car in the color photo of is a 1950 Nash Airflyte Statesman.
From Update- Mystery Foto #9 Solved: The Northern State Parkway Gateway in 1933
The two-tone car in Greg O.‘s photo is a 1950 Nash Ambassador.
From Update- Mystery Foto #9 Solved: The Northern State Parkway Gateway in 1933
I the photo I submitted, I believe the 2 tone car is a 1950ish Nash Ambassador. Jay Leno not surprisingly has one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGopLn5Apf8&t=892s
From Update- Mystery Foto #9 Solved: The Northern State Parkway Gateway in 1933
Mystery Foto #9… The road looks like the entrance/exit to Bethpage State Park but ... my research gave me nothing to back this up. Based on the autos on the road I would say photo was taken in 1928 or 1929.
From Update- Mystery Foto #9 Solved: The Northern State Parkway Gateway in 1933
Howard, we are looking eastward at where the grand central parkway ends and the northern state parkway begins. Probably 1933 when the two parkways opened. the autos heading east will go under the motor parkway in about a thousand feet.
From Update- Mystery Foto #9 Solved: The Northern State Parkway Gateway in 1933
Just a thought, if this is 1933 Robert Moses’ toll-free parkway here has just numbered the remaining days for Wille K’s struggling and expensive Motor Parkway. Only 25 years old and quickly outdated, most simply could not afford the dustless ride. I’d bet that every passenger in this photo at the moment is ecstatic, wearing a grin from ear to ear. I still want my parkway back! Happy Motoring
From Update- Mystery Foto #9 Solved: The Northern State Parkway Gateway in 1933
What a great shot! This is exactly where Queens County meets Nassau County and the GCP meets the NSP (at the stone wall). Photographer is looking ENE. The NY State Parkway Police Barracks was once just down the road 1/4 mile on the left side. Also on the left behind the trees was Willie K’s Deepdale Estate (the Motor Parkway link?). The barracks was once the Deepdale guest house 1902-1910. The parkway held this configuration in 1950 but the cars are much older. I’m guessing this photo was taken in 1933 when the parkway first opened. Many of today’s highway safety devices are missing here, especially the center divider and that stone wall is begging to be hit. I wonder if it ever was? Mr Ivers from the police barracks may know.
From Update- Mystery Foto #9 Solved: The Northern State Parkway Gateway in 1933
Looking east at the Queens/Nassau border on Grand Central Parkway where it connected to and became Northern State Parkway around 1933. The autos are pre-1934.
From Update- Mystery Foto #9 Solved: The Northern State Parkway Gateway in 1933
Rocket E-brake LOL. But I see shades of Cheetah in the overall shape, Inovation always in the American mindset. Very cool.
From Hemmings Blog: Forgotten TDX coupe showed a frameless fiberglassed future
Great photo. Looks like the North Shore - Post Road area. Just a guess!
From Update- Mystery Foto #9 Solved: The Northern State Parkway Gateway in 1933
Guessing Bethpage State Park entrance, looking north. Early 1930s.
Motor Parkway ran through today’s park.
From Update- Mystery Foto #9 Solved: The Northern State Parkway Gateway in 1933
My comment isn’t nice. Why do you do this to us? Far too often, your blowups aren’t big enough to make out any detail. I know - complaints, complaints. I vaguely remember some such from my early childhood (late ‘30s) as being at the Nassau-Queens line heading west on Northern or Southern State Parkway. ??? Sam, III
From Update- Mystery Foto #9 Solved: The Northern State Parkway Gateway in 1933
Page 484 of 1022 pages ‹ First < 482 483 484 485 486 > Last ›