1902 Ford "999" Race Car, Built by Henry Ford
Add to SetSummary
Henry Ford hired a fearless bicycle racer named Barney Oldfield to drive "999." Although he had never driven a car, Oldfield learned quickly and won his first competition. He went on to become America's first nationally famous racing hero, known for his thrilling exhibition races and the trademark cigar he chewed to protect his teeth in a crash.
Henry Ford hired a fearless bicycle racer named Barney Oldfield to drive "999." Although he had never driven a car, Oldfield learned quickly and won his first competition. He went on to become America's first nationally famous racing hero, known for his thrilling exhibition races and the trademark cigar he chewed to protect his teeth in a crash.
Artifact
Racing car
Date Made
1902
Creators
Wills, C. H. (Childe Harold), 1878-1940
Place of Creation
United States, Michigan, Detroit
Creator Notes
Built by Henry Ford, assisted by C.H. Wills and E.S. Huff at 81 Park Place, Detroit, Michigan.
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Driven to Win: Racing in America
Object ID
19.3.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of William Hughson.
Material
Wood (Plant material)
White ash (Wood)
Metal
Rubber (Material)
Leather
Bronze (Metal)
Brass (Alloy)
Color
Black (Color)
Red
White (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 50 in
Width: 55 in
Length: 145 in
Wheelbase: 118 in
Diameter: 27.75 in (Wheel Diameter)
Diameter: 29.625 in (Wheel Diameter)
Diameter: 7 in (Bore)
Length: 7 in (Stroke)
Weight: 2730 lb
Inscriptions
Painted on left side of engine and on back of seat: 999 Left front hub: RED Right front hub: DEJ
Specifications
Make & Model: 1902 Ford "999" (oval track racing)
Maker: Henry Ford, Tom Cooper, and Edward Huff, Detroit, Michigan
Engine: inline-4, atmospheric intake valves and mechanical exhaust valves, 1156 cubic inches
Transmission: none, in-and-out clutch
Height: 50 inches
Width: 55 inches
Wheelbase: 117 inches
Overall length: 145 inches
Weight: 2730 pounds
Horsepower: 80 at 700 revolutions per minute
Pounds per horsepower: 34.1
Competition History: Winner of five-mile race against Alexander Winton and two other drivers at Grosse Pointe, Michigan, 1902. Driver: Barney Oldfield.
Share Anywhere
Use this Artifact Card to share this great find with others. From historic images to vivid descriptions, a record of rich detail is bundled inside a single card.
