A. Ballard 35R

I think dusty is correct in identifying the hood bracket as the hood strap guide.

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Looks like Bergdoll in the winning #8 Benz at Fairmount Park 1911, last year races were held.

Sure looks like Ron Hausman or one of his relatives on that assembly line.

Are you sure that the S74 was nothing more than a stripped down stock model. I'm not aware of any stock FIATs with the S74 engine.

Probably the best known collector of pre-WWI race cars was George Waterman, a founding member of the VMCCA, whose collection included, I believe, the S74 FIAT currently owned by George Wingard. As previously mentioned, race cars did not remain competitive for long and were usually scrapped. As interesting as the Thomas Locomobile certainly was, there would be very little reason to have kept it since it did not win any major races and was eclipsed by a later factory race car. The case of Old 16 is different since it was the first American car driven by Americans to win a major international race. In addition, the car was used extensively by the company to promote Locomobiles. We are very fortunate that Joe Sessions and Peter Helck were able to not only save it but to preserve it in its original condition. The car appeared at many events such as a New York Automobile show in the 1940's with George Robertson at the wheel, a Glidden Tour, and another appearance at Hershey in the 1980's plus Lime Rock.

In case you are not aware, anyone going on the web site and clicks "Unread Posts" sees everything., I believe

What a fantastic picture that I've never seen before. Several very famous drivers in front of as awesome a row of FIAT racers as you will ever see. Any idea of what the race was?

Most likely a Thomas K 6-70 chassis which were used by Webb. There are some of these around since they make an excellent beginning of award winning Thomas touring cars and flyabouts.

I believe the first American car to win Le Mans was the GT 40 Ford in 1966. Where all did this outstanding car race, especially with your great uncle as mechanician?

I believe Gary is referring to the Bob Valpey Studebaker car that was sold at the Gooding auction last year at Pebble Beach.

Very interesting photo of a Matheson Silent Six of which there is only one survivor.

The Stanley twins built all out speed record cars plus cars for hill climb events such as the 1908 Model K Semi-Racers which competed successfully at events such as Giants Despair. There is a considerable amount of material available, especially at the Auburn Heights Museum in Yorklyn, DE.

Two different cars. Fred Simeone's (chassis #472 engine #1093) is a conglomeration of several T-Head Mercers with a 1911 chassis and a later 35J engine and transmission. The crashed car is not a 1911 since the gas pressure pump is vertical and not on a diagonal. The acknowledged Mercer racing expert has been contacted and should be able to provide information on wrecked car as to race, driver, and car.

John, I love all the pictures but the quantity in such a short time frame is overwhelming and makes it very difficult to stay abreast of them and not miss some really great ones. Just my opinion. Please keep up the good work.

Note that the Baily car is the only one with the non-original after market monocle windshield which Sam needed in order to have a place for the "A" gas rationing sticker. In the background appears to be the model B wagon (with kerosene conversion) driven by my mother. A Packard Twin 6 was driven by my father.

Great job, Jon. Do you plan on covering odd ball carbs like the very effective bronze Flechters ?

Possibly might be able to help but will not be able to check until early May. Suggest you remind me then if you are still looking.

Get a copy of Ulmann's book "Sebring" and you will learn a lot about the many challenges he faced in establishing the races.

Bob's comments are understandable. In which Vanderbilt race did the car compete and how is this relevant to the 1895 Chicago Times-Herald race?

That's why you don't buy cars without titles. Having dealt with PeenDot for for over 60 years and my father for years before that, they can be a PIA; however, it is important that you know that you don't have a stolen vehicle, regardless of age. There are legitmate ways in PA to get a new title without committing a crime. Very difficult to call the practice of forging paperwork and altering vehicle identification a service to the hobby.

Interesting picture in that rear of car is on jacks yet DePalma and mechancian are posing as though ready to race. Mercedes #22 was campaigned successfully by DePalma in various races including winning Indianapolis in 1915. Any idea where this picture was taken and please explain "2nd race ever held in the US" comment. Thanks

Thanks, just found the typo which is totally inappropriate, especially considering the country of origin of the front car.

Matt, with all the 540K pictures being posted I thought a little side comment on the car in the background would be amusing. Sorry it failed.

No problem, looks like the rear of a Triumph - can't see a trunk handle which would indicate a TR2 or early TR3.