Mechanics on the streets of New York City

This undated photo was taken in New York City and donated by the "Carburetor Doctor" Werner Maeder to the AACA Library in 2009. Can you identify the car?

I have seen this picture before but can't place it at the moment. The engine looks like a Miller. I think this might be an early Offenhauser effort. - http://www.milleroffy.com/Racing%20History.htm Is that Fred Offenhauser fifth from left in the picture?

I really don't have any other information other than the picture itself. Nothing was written on the back of the photo. The man who donated the picture was a mechanic in NYC in the 1950s but he doesn't appear in this photo. I vaguely remember him telling me that his father worked at the same shop so perhaps he is also in this picture.

Love the streamlined radiator cap, can't figure out if it is a Motometer or rearview mirror but should be a clue to car's identity.

Howard Dennis

Had a better look at this but still no further with working it out. That is not Fred Offenhauser in the photo.

Love the streamlined radiator cap, can't figure out if it is a Motometer or rearview mirror but should be a clue to car's identity.

Howard Dennis

Looks like a streamlined MotoMeter, to me.

This car was a special, made in New York city, it was a DOHC Miller engine, fitted in a 1923 Mercedes chassis that ran at Indianapolis. I can't remember who made it it, but I'm sure the men in the photo were involved. It ran in a well known race in 1936, but I can't remember what it was.

At a guess the 'well-known race in 1936' was the Vanderbilt Cup.

Had a look for info on the Vanderbilt Cup. Found this page - http://www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/blog/article/saturday_july_17_2010update_of_local_car_shows_and_automotive_events_myster - scroll to the bottom of the page. Seems it did not actually race.

With the information above I found this picture. Sure was a beautifully finished car.

Howard Dennis

Yes, that's the car, Zumbach was the name of the man responsible for building it.