History Auto racing 1894-1942

Actually, the photograph is from 1902 when the Baker Torpedo participated in the 31 May speed trials on Staten Island (flying kilometer and mile). The Torpedo crashed into the crowd resulting in several deaths and serious injuries -- as well as leading the Automobile Club of America to pass a series of resolutions citing the dangers of speed contests on public roads and supporting the use of tracks for racing events.

Here is the aftermath of the crash (New York Tribune, 1 June 1902, 1):



Here is a schematic view of the Torpedo:

 

Why am I not surprised?

Give yourself the point for posting a response.

 

Your welcome.
Was good to see you at the Brickyard Vintage - I ran just the oval in the pre-war group and had a great time - the only blip was getting lost in the infield coming off the track - wound up in the picnic area and was surrounded by picnickers offering food and directions back to the garages.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/91981316@N06/14421361941/in/set-72157645135991615

 

Thanks for posting the crash picture and the schematic view.
A few other points about the Baker Torpedo , it had an isinglass windshield which makes me think visibility was poor.
And it was outfited with nickle-iron batteries that were invented by Thomas Edison only a few months before the Staten Island Crash.
Baker and his brakeman C. E. Denzer were held for several days on Murder charges but the charges were dropped.
There were timing officials every 1/4 mile along the street and the crash happened when they crossed the trolley tracks just after the 1/2 mile mark.
The timing from the 1/4 to 1/2 mile mark suggest that they were running about 105 MPH.

 

Such amazing History,.... really enjoying it.

 

I'm noticing that the front spring hangers on the rear axle of that "Duesenberg Special" have the shackles suspending the springs - opposite of current day thinking on how to suspend a leaf sprung car. I like to study those old pics for clues on where the technology of the day was. I can imagine that must have been a handful when lots of power was applied.

And the pilot of the aeroplane must have gotten an oily film all over himself in short order with those exposed rocker arm assemblies spewing oil back in his face. Yuk

Love the Firestone whitewalls.

 

The Duesenbergs also have the step down in the frame right behind the front tire I have noticed it in a few other pics of specials but almost all of the duesenbergs seem to have it.
Must have made them handle better or they wouldn't have done it.

 

Thanks for enlightening me T-Head on the Duesy chassis. I didn't consider the possibility of a closed torque tube - I only noticed the lack of radius rods.

I figured the aeroplane did not have pressure oiling but based on my bicycle chain tending to get me oily just by looking at it I would not want to be the recipient of an enthusiastic machanic's lube prep.

 

Did anyone see the excellent PBS production this evening about vintage WW I combat aircraft? A group of New Zealand enthusiasts built a fleet of exacting replica aircraft. Regarding trying to replicate air-to-air combat here was one quote, "Right from the start oil covering goggles and camera lenses was a problem..."

Later on the commentator said, "oil, grease and heat coming off the engine made it extremely difficult to see..."

At one point a rearward facing camera on the pilots windscreen showed it covered in a nasty film of oil streaks. I have even more appreciation for those brave lads now.

 

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Very interesting piece mixed with lots of archival footage.
If you think restoring vintage cars is expensive, try vintage aircraft.

 

Here is a little footage from Sheepshead Bay from July of 1919. It was the site of the "Police Games", and the film shows policemen on the track in combat exercises. The last few seconds shows a high diver jumping into a pool of water.

 

From BRITISH MOTORING by A.B. Demaus

 

Most of the WWI aircraft had rotary engines (as to be distinguished from "radial"). I think the rotary engines were "total loss" lubrication systems. The crankshaft was fixed to the airframe and the cylinder block and propeller rotated around the crank. The engines, like alot of race car engines, used caster oil as a lubricant. The pilots of the day (as well as race drivers) had little problems with constipation.
I think that most, if not all engines (aircraft or automobile) produced up into the fifties tend to loose oil. The radial aircraft engines that I've been around lose gallons of oil. And, the current engines in my 30's race car throw so much oil that I have to put PIG oil absorbent blankets in the belly pan under the engine, to keep from oiling the track. I also keep and extra set of goggles around my neck whether I'm in the air or running on the track.

 

Not Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Chitty Bang Bang. It's a common error.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was the title of a children's story by Ian Fleming. Later filmed, of course. Fleming was undoubtedly inspired by the name of Zborowski's cars. But as far as Lou was concerned - definitely only one 'Chitty'!

The name is said to have been derived from a bawdy song dating from the Great War - possibly sung by men of the Royal Flying Corps. However, nobody ever seems to have written down the lyrics.

 

I hope somebody here writes some lyrics to it - both automotive and bawdy in content.

 

Oh it's going to take a long time to get to the race track with the truck

Thank you for posting the photo

 

What??? No Firestone?

 

Macoco Alzaga Unzue (center cap no mustache) with the Sunbeam at Miramas 1st place 13th July 1924. The car latter came to Argentina and was sold to Eric Forrest Greene , belive today it is at Indianapolis Museum.

 

That's some serious car porn!

 

That is like the king of all lakester headders.

Have to say that this whole thread is pretty sweet. I have no idea where people get photos like this, but as long as they keep em coming, I don't need to know.


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-Ben LeBlanc

 

yes gorgeous isn't it. 1919 Ballot Indianapolis car. Has been discussed previously in this thread I think. One of Henry's designs but apparently went from drawing board to track in just 101 days. Fastest lap time in 1919 but let down by collapsing wheels during the race. Stunning looking vehicles.

 

Austy Clark had the trophy. Anyone know where it is now?

 

I bet Miles Collier has it at the museum.

 

If you look at the BLITZEN BENZ in post #9854 that is the one that was scrapped in Pennsylvania in the early 1920's. The radiator wound up on this car #6 at Pottsville, Pa, June 7, 1924. Bob

 

Is that the Wills Special, Bob? Driver doesn't look like Tommy Dawson to me, though. And neither does that radiator look like a Benz one, much to small and wrong shape.

 

Michael I had the original photo, and all the cars were ID'd by Larry Beals and the radiator was noted by him as being from the Blitzen Benz. Great mix of cars and power plants, 1/4 Bugatti aero engine, Hisso V8's and half Hissos, Fiat, and a Duesenberg. Bob