Composite Image Depicting Henry Ford and Spider Huff Driving the Sweepstakes Racer at Grosse Pointe Racetrack, 1901

Summary

Composite photographic print of Henry Ford (driver) and Ed "Spider" Huff, riding mechanic, (riding the sideboard) driving Sweepstakes, Ford's first race car, to victory at the Grosse Pointe Race Track, Grosse Point, Michigan, October 10, 1901. Originally produced by VanLeyen and Hensler Photographic Company of Detroit, this 1953 reprint is composed of two separate images; the race track grandstands and track and a posed photo of Henry Ford and Ed Huff. The composite image celebrates Henry Ford's first racing victory over Alexander Winton, then the most well-known auto maker in the United States.

Composite photographic print of Henry Ford (driver) and Ed "Spider" Huff, riding mechanic, (riding the sideboard) driving Sweepstakes, Ford's first race car, to victory at the Grosse Pointe Race Track, Grosse Point, Michigan, October 10, 1901. Originally produced by VanLeyen and Hensler Photographic Company of Detroit, this 1953 reprint is composed of two separate images; the race track grandstands and track and a posed photo of Henry Ford and Ed Huff. The composite image celebrates Henry Ford's first racing victory over Alexander Winton, then the most well-known auto maker in the United States.

Artifact

Photographic print

Subject Date

1901

Creators

VanLeyen & Hensler 

Place of Creation

United States, Michigan, Detroit 

Creator Notes

The original composite photograph was created by VanLeyen & Hensler, Detroit, Michigan.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

84.1.1660.P.O.1263

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ford Motor Company.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Gelatin silver process
Retouching

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 8.25 in

Width: 10 in

Inscriptions

Inscribed in image, lower right corner: VanLeyen & Hensler Detroit, Mich.

Related Content

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More