Mar 09 2021

Kleiner’s Korner: Three Illustrators of the Vanderbilt Cup Race Era


In this post three illustrators portray their view of various aspects of the Vanderbilt Cup Race through their individual characterizations.  Illustrations appeared in "The New York Evening World" in 1905 and 1906.

First is the above depiction of the speed attained at races during that time period by J. Campbell Cory.

Art Kleiner


Speed

Robert Edgren and the breaking of speed records!

Willie K. at Ormand Beach, Florida.


The Weighing-In Ceremony

Prior to the races each car had to be weighed to meet race requirements. 

Automobile Topics

The New York Sun, Sept. 22, 1906

This is how "The Evening World" staff artist Mortimer viewed this pre-race necessity.

Several methods were used to ensure the 2000 pound weight requirement was met.


Experiencing the Race as a Participant

Artist Robert Edgren captured the thrill of the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race by accompanying driver Herb Lytle in a practice run. 

"as near flying as I care to experience"

"Mongini, the wild Italian, has been around".  Even though Mongini raced a year earlier in the 1905 American Elimination Trial.

"The anarchist  . . . Hubert Le Blon"

Edgren's own words. 



Comments

Leave a Comment