Sweepstakes
10 artifacts in this set
1901 Ford "Sweepstakes" Race Car
Racing car
This is Henry Ford's first race car. After his first auto company failed, Ford turned to racing to restore his reputation. He raced "Sweepstakes" against Alexander Winton on October 10, 1901, and, to everyone's surprise, the novice Ford beat the established Winton. The victory and resulting publicity encouraged financiers to back Ford's second firm.
Composite Image Depicting Henry Ford and Spider Huff Driving the Sweepstakes Racer at Grosse Pointe Racetrack, 1901
Photographic print
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...
Henry Ford and Oliver Barthel Driving the Ford Sweepstakes Racer on West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, Michigan, August 1901
Photographic print
The 1901 "Sweepstakes" race car may have been Henry Ford's brainchild, but he had help bringing it into being. Oliver Barthel, a friend of Ford's and an engineer, was the car's principal designer. Years later Barthel recalled that, just before this photo was taken, "Sweepstakes" had hit 72 miles per hour in a trial run.
Henry Ford and Oliver Barthel Driving the Ford Sweepstakes Racer on West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, Michigan, August 1901
Photographic print
The 1901 "Sweepstakes" race car may have been Henry Ford's brainchild, but he had help bringing it into being. Oliver Barthel, a friend of Ford's and an engineer, was the car's principal designer. Years later Barthel recalled that, just before this photo was taken, "Sweepstakes" had hit 72 miles per hour in a trial run.
Henry Ford and Spider Huff with the Sweepstakes Racer on a Detroit, Michigan Street, 1901
Photographic print
This photograph, showing Henry Ford behind the wheel of his first race car, the 1901 "Sweepstakes" racer, was taken on West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, Michigan. Ed "Spider" Huff is shown kneeling on the running board while holding on to the side of the car and staring forward.
Henry Ford Driving the Sweepstakes Racer Against Alexander Winton, Grosse Pointe, Michigan, October 10, 1901
Photographic print
This photograph shows Henry Ford in his race car, "Sweepstakes," as he begins to pass Alexander Winton during a 10-mile race at Grosse Pointe, Michigan, in 1901. Winton's car was faster, and his experience greater, but he had engine problems and lost to the upstart Ford. With the win and backing of new investors, Ford began his second automobile company.
Letter from Henry Ford to Milton Bryant Concerning Auto Racing, 1902
Letter (Correspondence)
Less than three months after defeating Alexander Winton, Henry Ford was anxious to stay in the forefront of American racing. In this letter, he explains to his brother-in-law, Milton Bryant, the potential for big money and advertising in match races and his desire to run a race against Henri Fournier, one of the world's fastest drivers at the time. Ford's interest in racing, however, soon put him at odds with the investors of the Henry Ford...
Winton Race Trophy, a Punch Bowl, Tray and Cups Won by Henry Ford Driving the "Sweepstakes" Racer in 1901
Photographic print
Henry Ford received this cut-glass punch bowl after beating Alexander Winton in an automobile race at Grosse Pointe, Michigan, in October 1901. Winton was so heavily favored that, according to lore, race promoters chose a prize that would look good in Winton's home. Instead, it became the first trophy awarded to Ford's racing program -- and the only one won by Henry Ford himself.
Henry Ford and Ed (Spider) Huff Driving the Ford Sweepstakes Racer at Grosse Pointe, Michigan, October 10, 1901
Photographic print
Henry Ford and Ed "Spider" Huff driving Sweepstakes, Ford's first race car, to victory over Alexander Winton at the Grosse Pointe Race Track, a horse racing track, Grosse Pointe, Michigan, October 10th, 1901. After several other cars dropped out, the race pitted the then unknown Ford against Alexander Winton who, in 1901, was one of the most well-known and successful automobile manufacturer in the country. After Winton's car developed...
Henry Ford Driving the Ford Sweepstakes Racer on West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, Michigan, 1901
Photographic print
Henry Ford built his 1901 "Sweepstakes" race car with help from friends Oliver Barthel and Edward Huff. Advanced for its day, "Sweepstakes" featred a rudimentary form of fuel injection, and spark plugs fitted with porcelain insulators. On October 10, 1901, Ford and "Sweepstakes" beat renowned driver Alexander Winton in a ten-mile race at Grosse Pointe, Michigan.
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