Vanderbilt Cup Races

The 1956 Chrysler Norseman was a one-of-a-kind concept car that never made it into production due to a tragic accident that occurred during its transportation from Italy to the United States. The Norseman was designed and built by the Italian coachbuilder Ghia, in collaboration with Chrysler, and was intended to be a showcase of cutting-edge automotive design and engineering. At the time of its creation, the Norseman was an impressive feat of automotive design. It featured a sleek, aerodynamic body that was unlike anything else on the road, with a unique tapered rear end that gave it a futuristic look. The car was built using the latest materials and manufacturing techniques of the time, including lightweight aluminum panels and a chassis made from high-strength steel.
Under the hood, the Norseman was powered by a potent 315-cubic inch V8 engine, which was capable of producing up to 260 horsepower. This made it one of the most powerful cars of its time, and ensured that it would be a hit with enthusiasts and collectors alike.
However, tragedy struck just as the Norseman was about to make its debut at the 1956 New York Auto Show. The car was being transported on the SS Andrea Doria, a luxury liner that was en route from Italy to the United States, when it collided with another ship off the coast of Nantucket. The impact caused a massive explosion and fire, which quickly engulfed the ship.
Despite heroic efforts by the crew and passengers of the Andrea Doria, the Norseman was lost in the disaster. Only a handful of the car’s components, including its engine, survived the fire and sinking of the ship.
The loss of the Norseman was a major blow to the automotive world, as it represented a bold step forward in design and engineering.

From Update: Mystery Friday Foto #41 Solved: The One-Off Chrysler Norseman Concept Car

Your truly was at this event. I was showing these two photos of a 1958 Ford El Galaxie concept car, explaining that Elwood P. Engle head of design of Lincohn Mercury Division who had involvement of the ‘58 Lincohn and the ‘61 Contintel designs, both award winners, was passed over for promotion for Ford VP of designs, was invitited by the new President of Chrysler to replace VIgil Exner as new VP of Design Nov. ‘61. His first project was the Gas Turbins using those ‘58 Ford concept front headlights and conplete rear rear design and a somehat Thunderbird roof design.

From Update: 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Highlights at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, Carlisle, PA

The vehicle year, make and model:
1956 Chrysler Norseman
The designer:
Virgil Exner and commissioned by Ghia of Italy
The tragic event surrounding this vehicle:
The Norsemen sank on the Andrea Doria in July of 1956
The location of the car today:
Bottom of the Atlantic Ocean just off of Nantucket, Mass

From Update: Mystery Friday Foto #41 Solved: The One-Off Chrysler Norseman Concept Car

Thanks for the memories! One of my favorite cars when I was growing up. Seeing it at the World’s Fair was such a thrill.

From Update: 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Highlights at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, Carlisle, PA

Need to start watching the 3rd season, started in January. Every character in the series has their own story, so entertaining.

From The Glitter and The Gold: The Gilded Age and Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan- Formerly Duchess of Marlborough

That’s the 1956 Chrysler Norseman designed by Virgil Exner, Jr. and William Brownlee. Sadly, it was aboard the Italian liner Andrea Doria which collided with the Stockholm and sank in July, 1956. Although some reports state that the engine was saved, the car is located at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean of the coast of Nantucket.

From Update: Mystery Friday Foto #41 Solved: The One-Off Chrysler Norseman Concept Car

Unfortunately had to travel to Ann Arbor, MI. Must see the video as soon as I can establish a wifi connection in this one-hour town! Looking forward…

From Highlights from a Special Evening with the Honorable John LeBoutillier: The Vanderbilts, Whitneys and The Gilded Age

Very interesting talk from a person who lived the life we only read about.  Great stories and anecdotes.  Thanks for sharing.

From Highlights from a Special Evening with the Honorable John LeBoutillier: The Vanderbilts, Whitneys and The Gilded Age

great info   thank you very much for this info   arthur fielder

From Mystery Friday Foto #38 Solved: The First Long Island Offices of the Long Island Motor Parkway, Inc.

These amazing photos appear as the Carman Ave highway bridge in Salisbury (Island Trees). Top photo is looking N towards the bridge along Carman Ave, Motor Pkwy is hidden along the horizon. The foreground will become today’s White golf course at Eisenhower Park. The image with four Motor Pkwy fans atop the bridge is an E view revealing the parkway’s SE curve towards the Westbury Rd bridge. Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos

Bottom photos show east and west views from the bridge

From Friday Mystery Foto #40 Solved: The Carman Ave Bridge on the Plains

From Jan H.

Brilliant talk.
Watched the whole thing.
You are a gem!

From Highlights from a Special Evening with the Honorable John LeBoutillier: The Vanderbilts, Whitneys and The Gilded Age

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to enjoy this very informative program, in my home, as I cannot make the programs.  Howard, always a great job!!  Ann

From Highlights from a Special Evening with the Honorable John LeBoutillier: The Vanderbilts, Whitneys and The Gilded Age

Not overly confident but here’s my guess: looking east at the Bellmore Road / Newbridge Avenue bridge. The golf course was part of the former Salisbury Links but was being redesigned into today’s Eisenhower Red course. I think the bridge came down in the late 1940’s during construction of Salisbury Park Drive.

From Friday Mystery Foto #40 Solved: The Carman Ave Bridge on the Plains

That meeting room had great accutic as I having serious hearing issue, heard very well, but the room size is modest. not like the Bethpage Library Autotourem.

From Highlights from a Special Evening with the Honorable John LeBoutillier: The Vanderbilts, Whitneys and The Gilded Age

I am only aware of one golf course bisected by the LIMP so my answers based on that.

The Motor Parkway Bridge:
  Farmway bridge to connect the William Titus farm
  in East Williston, which the parkway cut in half.

Orientation of the photographer:
  Based on the farmhouse, looking generally south west.

The golf course:
  This is the Wheatley Hills Golf Club, as established in 1913.

Approximate year the bridge was taken down:
  Bridge still appears in 1930’s aerials. I would guess
  early 40’s after the parkway was closed.

From Friday Mystery Foto #40 Solved: The Carman Ave Bridge on the Plains

Sorry I missed it.  Will watch the video instead.  Thanks for recording Gram.  And to John for sharing his in-depth knowledge.

From Highlights from a Special Evening with the Honorable John LeBoutillier: The Vanderbilts, Whitneys and The Gilded Age

There are a few typos that could be fixed. The “well known” author referred to in the intro is Ken Purdy, not “Purdly.” The Huntoon car is an Alfa Romeo, not an “Alpha” (this mistake is made often). And the caption of the photo of the modern race track says it opened in 1954 when, in fact, it was 1957.
But, still, a very fun read, so thanks!
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Michael, excellent catches! Thanks. Howard Kroplick

From InstaGRAM Report: Bridgehampton Street Circuit History

I’ve been curious about so many of the details covered here all my life. My initial love for all Motorsport started with an awareness of the races at Bridgehamton. My first racing hero, Walt Hangsen, was a racetrack favorite there as was Marc Donahue.

From InstaGRAM Report: Bridgehampton Street Circuit History

Thank you Howard and John it was a great evening and very informative JeRita

From Highlights from a Special Evening with the Honorable John LeBoutillier: The Vanderbilts, Whitneys and The Gilded Age

Race car 41 may have a Model A Duesenberg chassis but the radiator looks like a 1931 Chrysler. This car may have been in the Specials Series of a Sportscar magazine years ago.

From InstaGRAM Report: Bridgehampton Street Circuit History