Fearless Barney - Circa 1905 Race Cars to ID

Pictures of Barney Oldfield taken in Chicago in 1905 & 1906.

I looks like the Peerless "Green Dragon" at the height of the carmaker's racing era.. Excellent pictures!!

Did anyone notice the fellow in the fifth photo, far left, who looks exactly like John Travolta?

Jeff,

You are correct for the first three pictures, but I have no idea what make of car / chassis is pictured in the last two images. That car looks like it has a very large four cylinder engine with a chain drive. Also, note the holes in the frame to save weight. The Peerless "Green Dragon" was a smaller car with a shaft drive.

Grandpa

Premier

Air cooled and open crankcase, this car still exists.

Chain drive not just to rear wheels but also to the overhead cam.

Thanks to Layden's tip, I found some more pictures of the Premier.

Grandpa

It does look like John Travolta. Even has the same hair style as he did in the movie Grease.

Manuel in Oz

Holy Smoke!! Look at that thing. There's no crankcase. I would have loved to see and hear it run. Smoke, fire and noise. What an a beast.

Sometimes there are pictures or postcards for sale at Ebay with race cars. I love them, it pure car-riding.

I hope one day i can buy one.

Taco.

What wonderful photos. That last one is as clear as a bell.

Manuel in Oz

1905 Darracq 25.4 liter V-8 Speed Record Car

The 25.4 liter overhead valve V-8 did 122 mph.

Visit (turn-up the volume):

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Taco, Thank you for posting the photos. The last car is the Elwyn Holt Special that raced at Ascot in LA in 1935. Note the safety skid hooks that go under the front axle to act as skids if a wheel flew off. Don't know anything about the Midget race car next to it.

#26 car is a Stutz, private entry with a Wisconsin experimental engine. It is now restored.

Thanks for all the pics.

I picked up the nickname Barney O, while I was in the Navy but Ive never seen pics of him.

I am humbled, as much racing as I have done (both on/off track) I dont think I live up to his daring-do.