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
From Ariejan Bos:
It took me some time to realize that the remains of the wrecked car belonged to a 1901 or 1902 Mors. After that the search became rather straightforward. What we see are the remains of Fournier’s Mors, which was struck by a train in Westbury, Long Island on Thursday, October 30, 1901. It was recorded as the first ever train-car collision, at least in the USA. It was a serious accident, as the car had 6 occupants of which 3 were seriously, though not fatally injured. As you can read in the article from Automobile Topics William Vanderbilt Jr., whom they had met shortly before, had warned Fournier already for this apparently dangerous crossing.
As always thanks for all the wonderful stories and images posted on your website! And of course congratulations with the donation of the Peter Helck Collection to your archive, in my opinion a very valuable and important addition.
Regards,
Ariejan
From Mystery Foto #39 Solved:The First Documented Automobile Railroad Crossing Accident in the USA Update
Howard, Great news.
From The Motor Racing Archives of Peter Helck to Become Available on VanderbiltCupRaces.com
The only information I find on this is that the driver was G. Winthrop Sands, a stepson of William K Vanderbilt, Sr. Accident happened while on a trip from Dieppe, France to a castle at which the family was staying. Sands allegedly driving at 75 mph. Hope I have the right accident.
From Mystery Foto #39 Solved:The First Documented Automobile Railroad Crossing Accident in the USA Update
Thank you Howard.
So nobody is responsible for protecting this historic site?
So anyone is permitted to purchase a historical sign and put it up? The sign says town of Huntington on the top. I figured when a spot is designated as historical by a town there is some element of obligation to protect it.
Similar question with the Old Courthouse Road bridge. Is anyone responsible for protecting/maintaining this location?
There’s only a few of these remaining bridge locations. I want these amazing historical motor parkway remnants to be preserved.
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From Howard Kroplick:
The Old Courthouse Road Bridge was designated a Town of North Hempstead landmark in 2015. It can not be taken down without the approval of the Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission of North Hempstead. I am a permanent member of this commission as the town historian.
http://www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/blog/article/town_of_north_hempstead_designates_the_old_courthouse_road_motor_parkway_br
From Status Report: The Ezekiel Smith Farmway Bridge on Maxess Road in Melville Updated: 10/16/2016
A shot in the dark. It appears to be near a set of tracks, and the car appears to have been hit in the side or from 3/4 back. In looking around for Long Island auto train crashes in the 1900’s I could only manage one find. So I will go with this, but obviously the chances are low this is it.
Where ever Cronin’s Crossing might be…..“At the raising of the bars Mr. Sinnott started his machine across the tracks. The trolley car, heavily laden, rushed into collision with the automobile, and struck it amidships. Mrs. Sinnott was hurled twenty feet from the car by the shock, but Mr. Sinnott, as he was holding the steering gear, was not thrown out until the machine began to turn in the air. He let go his hold and landed on the ground several feet from the overturned machine.”
http://www3.gendisasters.com/new-york/2359/long-island,-ny-street-car-auto-wreck,-jul-1909
From Mystery Foto #39 Solved:The First Documented Automobile Railroad Crossing Accident in the USA Update
Very impressive these 100+ year old flags are still intact. Handle with care! Amazing stuff. Thank you Jerry for exposing them. Probably held by the same flagman in the 1905 photo. This will take some doing in research. The time machine is set to go back. Great stuff guys.
From Helck Family Collection: The Only Known Existing 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race Flags?
Can someone please explain to me:
When a site is designated with a historical marker, is the town/county/state/anyone obligated to maintain/preserve it?
Good to know that it’s “currently” not planned to remove the bridge, but that wasn’t the most convincing answer. I’m scared we could go there next month and it could be one. Are they permitted to remove it? Is it protected in any way?
I’m sure these pipes could have been run in a different direction.
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From Howard Kroplick
Dave, the historic marker was placed by the former owner of the nearby office building and did not indicate any landmark status by a municipality.
From Status Report: The Ezekiel Smith Farmway Bridge on Maxess Road in Melville Updated: 10/16/2016
You’re so right J.O. Leave it to Howard,it never ends
From Helck Family Collection: The Only Known Existing 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race Flags?
What an amazing and awesome find. Wow.
From Helck Family Collection: The Only Known Existing 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race Flags?
Reminds me of the Mercury Capri when the 4 headlights are showing.
From Mystery Foto #38 Solved: The 1965 Bertone Mustang Concept Show Car Commissioned by AQ Update:9/23/16
That is the 1965 Bertone Mustang. It was commissioned by Automobile Quarterly Magazine for the New York International Automobile Show.
From Mystery Foto #38 Solved: The 1965 Bertone Mustang Concept Show Car Commissioned by AQ Update:9/23/16
From Paul S:
Howard, I drove this Turino Mustang home a couple of days when working at DST, I cant tell you any thing else about it, other then Turino built it, Paul S.
From Mystery Foto #38 Solved: The 1965 Bertone Mustang Concept Show Car Commissioned by AQ Update:9/23/16
From Steve Beck:
As a mustang enthusiast, this wasn’t too difficult.
And congrats to you on getting the Helck collection. It shows that your hard work in preserving early and important automobile history is being recognized.
Identify this Mustang:
This is clearly Italian styling. It’s the Bertone Mustang concept car.
Who commissioned the car?
It was commissioned by Automobile Quarterly’s founder L. Scott Bailey in 1964.
Who designed the car, who built the car and where was it built?
It was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and built by Nuccio Bertrone in Turin Italy based on an actual production fastback shipped to them.
Where was this car shown?
The car was introduced at the NY Auto Show in 1965.
When was the last time this Mustang was seen by the public?
After its debut in NY, and being shipped back to Italy, it does not appear that the car was ever further publicly shown, although it was advertised for sale.
Where is it today and who owns it?
It remains a mystery where it is today as there are no records of it being sold, and the car was not in the inventory of the firm when it was liquidated in 2014.
Love those hidden headlights:
Note the Rally Pack gauges taken from the steering column and repurposed in the center console stack. Of course interior is Italian leather:
References:
http://www.formtrends.com/giorgetto-giugiaros-bertone-mustang-concept/
http://www.thegentlemanracer.com/2012/12/the-giugiaro-bertone-mustang.html
https://www.yahoo.com/news/blogs/motoramic/enduring-mystery-1965-bertone-mustang-203625420.html
http://67mustangblog.com/2008/02/1965-ford-mustang-by-giugiaro-bertone/
http://www.mustangandfords.com/features/1505-mustang-concepts-you-need-to-see/photo-23.html
http://www.macsmotorcitygarage.com/2014/04/17/five-forgotten-ford-mustangs/
From Mystery Foto #38 Solved: The 1965 Bertone Mustang Concept Show Car Commissioned by AQ Update:9/23/16
This is a hot ‘65 Mustang concept car. Will try for more. http://oldconceptcars.com/1930-2004/mustang-concept-1965/
From Mystery Foto #38 Solved: The 1965 Bertone Mustang Concept Show Car Commissioned by AQ Update:9/23/16
Man, another one of a kind pony. What next? This front end resembles much of the sister Cougar. Always loved the hideaway headlights and sequential tailights, now being incorporated in present Mustangs. I will try to work this one
From Mystery Foto #38 Solved: The 1965 Bertone Mustang Concept Show Car Commissioned by AQ Update:9/23/16
Bravo Howard and thank you Mr. Helck for sharing these gems. I think not a better place for these captions to be displayed for the world to educate and learn from. Where would we be without the auto today? Your dad had something positive in mind that I believe he knew its outcome, eventually displayed for all to see. Thank you all for the efforts, and keeping this important history alive. Priceless stuff guys!
From The Motor Racing Archives of Peter Helck to Become Available on VanderbiltCupRaces.com
Incredible property, another site added for the To Do list. It has been subdivided leaving 9+ acres. Any clue how big when purchased by Mr. Keene? The tax bill here would make preservation a real challenge. Someone is presently holding it up!
From From the Grace Holloway Family Album: Photos of the Old Westbury Home Built by Driver Foxhall Keene
That’s a 1965 Mustang By Bertone that was commissioned by L. Scott Bailey, editor and publisher of the magazine “Automobile Quarterly”. Giorgetto Giugiaro designed the car and it was built by Carrozzeria Bertone in Torino, Italy. The car was first shown at the New York International Auto Show, April 3 - 11, 1965. According to most reports, it has not been seen by the public since that show although it was offered for sale by Bertone via an ad placed in the September, 1967 issue of “Road & Track”. As to its current location and owner, most accounts refer to a “mystery owner” and whereabouts unknown.
From Mystery Foto #38 Solved: The 1965 Bertone Mustang Concept Show Car Commissioned by AQ Update:9/23/16
Bravo! What a great gesture on the part of the Helck family, and what a coup for you, Howard.
There was no better automotive artist than Peter Helck!
From The Motor Racing Archives of Peter Helck to Become Available on VanderbiltCupRaces.com
I seem to remember this was commissioned by HF2 ,built in Italy by Ghia around 1966. The rear glass was incredible,eh?
From Mystery Foto #38 Solved: The 1965 Bertone Mustang Concept Show Car Commissioned by AQ Update:9/23/16
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