Members of the Vanderbilt Cup Race Commission, Including Henry Ford, 1906

Summary

The Vanderbilt Cup, held from 1904 to 1916, was America's first internationally prominent automobile race. William K. Vanderbilt, Jr., a wealthy railroad heir, organized the competition over public roads on Long Island. European cars dominated until 1908, when Connecticut-built Locomobile "Old 16" won. Long Island residents tired of the crowds and accidents, and the race relocated to Georgia, Wisconsin, and finally California.

The Vanderbilt Cup, held from 1904 to 1916, was America's first internationally prominent automobile race. William K. Vanderbilt, Jr., a wealthy railroad heir, organized the competition over public roads on Long Island. European cars dominated until 1908, when Connecticut-built Locomobile "Old 16" won. Long Island residents tired of the crowds and accidents, and the race relocated to Georgia, Wisconsin, and finally California.

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