Another view of C-D car no. 105.

I wonder if the same Chalmers-Detroight ran in both 1908-09 with the same number. Allen's last posted photo clearly shows the Start Flag with 1908 on it. It might be reasonable to guess that these were the larger of the two 4 cylinder models, with 5" bore and 4 3/4" stroke. "Oversquare" cylinder dimensions were most uncommon at that time. The Kaiserpreis race and Coppa Florio of 1907 had a formula that encouraged that; and the 8 litre T-head Isotta Fraschini that won the Coppa Florio averaged an extraordinary 15mpg for the race. Did Chalmers-Detroit have track-racing history? Layden deserves complements for picking the right identification so quickly.
Ivan Saxton

Gentlemen - Please see the documentary about Jack Johnson by Ken Burns. It is mentioned throughout the film that Mr. Johnson had his cars customized, so there is no definitive answer as to the original model. Happy New Year!