Speedy against Vanderbilt

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Today we reach the very beginnings of motor racing, in those early years of the twentieth century that witnessed the rapid progress of mechanics.

In 1899, Jenatzy was the first driver to exceed 100 km / hour on his illustrious shell-shaped vehicle, "la Jamais Contente" (the never satisfied). Between this feat and 1906, this record is beaten 19 times, the 200 km / hour are achieved, and these machines are beginning to look like cars.

In this recordman list is twice appearing the name of William K. Vanderbilt II, from an American family which had made a fortune in the development of railways and was also involved in horse racing.

Guided by the Gordon Bennett Cup (1900), Vanderbilt gave his name to the first race held on American ground, in Long Island NY in 1904 (it was won by a Panhard).

Car manufacturers do wonders for this opportunity to compete the threatening hegemony of the Mercedes (already)! The Thomas Motor Company, which operated in Buffalo NY, creates a new model specifically for this race: the Thomas Flyer 60 HP.

The boss of the auction house Kruse says in his press release that his auction in Auburn IN on May 30 is worth the trip to see a copy of it. Its future owner could use it (if desired) in the run from London to Brighton reserved for cars produced before 1905. The estimate is not indicated but the catalog announces a previous history at 980 K $.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

This racing ancestor was sold $ 325K. Without having another auction reference for this model, we can consider that it is a good result.

The site of the auction house is not clear whether the results include or not the expenses.