The Alco Black Beast
The restored racer that won the 1909 and 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Races and raced in the first Indy 500
Nicknamed “the Black Beast,” this was one of the most famous race cars of its era. A two-time winner of the Vanderbilt Cup, a major event in the early years of American motorsport, the car was the favorite to win the first Indianapolis 500-mile race in 1911.
Related Posts
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Jun 15 2009
An Alco Racer and its Infamous Owner- Grover Cleveland Bergdoll
In addition to the Alco-6 Black Beast Racer, the American Locomotive Company built at least three other race cars including an Alco Racer owned by Grover Cleveland Bergdoll (1893-1966). In this photo taken by Nathan Lazarnick, Bergdoll appears to be working on the removable rim of his Alco.
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Jun 11 2009
Update on Second Annual Vanderbilt Autocross and Concours on Sunday, July 26th
The Second Annual Vanderbilt Autocross and Concours will once again be held at Roosevelt Field on Sunday, July 26th. The planned course is expected to be larger and even more exciting than 2008. The restored Alco-6 Black Beast Racer, winner of the 1909 and 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Races, will participate…
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Jun 06 2009
Alco-6 Racer Captures a “Most Outstanding” Award at the Greenwich Concours D’Elegance
It was a wonderful time today at the Greenwich Concours. Thousands turned out to view over 150 spectacular American cars. It was a lot fun discussing the Alco-6 Black Beast Racer for six hours with so many people.
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May 30 2009
Experience the Alco-6 Black Beast Racer’s Road Test
On Friday, May 29, 2009, the Alco-6 Black Beast Racer was road tested for the first time since its return to the United States from Belgium on New Year's Day. Experience the excitement of riding in the 1909 Alco-6 Black Beast in this two-minute film.
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May 22 2009
Video: “Alco-6 Black Beast Restoration Update”
The restoration of the Alco-6 Black Beast Racer will be completed by the end of June. This one-minute film highlights the progress that has been made over the last three months. Hear the engine roar!
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May 15 2009
Film “The Inaugural Indy 500 Race”
In celebration of the Indianapolis 500 Race on Memorial Day, this film shows the first Indy 500 Race held on May 30, 1911. Highlights include:
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May 14 2009
Restoration Update: The Alco-6 Black Beast Racer
The restoration of the 1909 Alco-6 Black Beast Racer is nearly completed. The above photo was taken last Friday, May 8, 2009. The Alco-6 has been invited to the upcoming Greenwich Concours on Saturday, June 6, 2009. Come and celebrate its return to the United States for the…
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Apr 28 2009
The Alco-6 Black Beast Racer in the First Indy 500
The Alco-6 Black Beast Racer participated in major automobile races throughout the United States from 1909 to 1911 including; two Vanderbilt Cup Races, the first Indy 500 Race, two Elgin Trophy Races, and one American Grand Prize Race. Until recently, the only Indy 500 image that I could find of…
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Apr 06 2009
Brochure “Harry Grant’s Own Story”
Richard, in 1911, American Locomotive Company published a promotional brochure The Vanderbilt Cup Race-Grant's Own Story. The brochure described Harry Grant's strategy in winning the Vanderbilt Cup Races in 1909 and 1910. He also gave credit to your grandfather:
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Mar 13 2009
The Alco Black Beast’s Last Great Race in 1911
The Alco-6 Black Beast Racer's last great race was the 1911 Elgin National Trophy Race held on the Illinois course. In the above postcard, driver Harry Grant and his mechanician George Babcock are shown prior to a practice run. This was the only major race in which…
Howard, you have another connection to Bird’s Long Island Duesenberg J! The designer of the three 1934 Walker-LaGrande…