Ford World Record video, June 1907

[Rob]

Good day all. With Bob C.'s help (a forum contributor), I've finished a video that's been a long while in the making. Ford Motor Company issued a several page pamphlet describing the entry of two Model K and four Model R (two cars per entry) in Detroit's 24 hour sanctioned race. Ten of these nationally sanctioned ((AAA) events were held in 1907, with publications listing them as the most popular motor sport events of the year. Five were two car events, and five were one car (both allowed two drivers).

The reason for two cars was listed as an opportunity for the public to see constant racing, instead of periods during the 24 hour event when several of the cars may have been in the pits at the same time, lowering interest. As with this event, it was also a way to keep a car maker in the competition, even when they lost a car (as was the case with the 50 hp Pope Toledo in this race). However, two cars required more cars, tires, support people and parts.

Nine cars began the Detroit event, with only the 40 hp American roadster team quitting the race early. Two of the entries were the smallest of the lot, Model R Fords. I suspect Model Rs were chosen over Model N because of their mechanical oilers, but that's only speculation. At one point in the description of the race, it's mentioned that the assistant for the Ford Six (Model K) would reach forward and feel the temperature of the back cylinder jug, and if warm, reach up farther and turn up the mechanical oiler. Ford Model K, beginning in 1907, have an external oil line from the mechanical oiler to the thrust side of the cylinder to aid in cooling as well as lubrication. While more sophisticated, the RR Silver Ghost had a similar system. Each cylinder oil line is regulated individually with an adjustable plunger.

The Ford Sixes set a new world record that stood until the 9th 24 hour race of the year, when two Locomobiles beat the Fords by 11 miles, or less than a half mile an hour. With one hour in 55 minutes, and several 60 mph miles, the Fords set a pace that no other automobile beat during the other 24 hour contests. Other winners in addition to Ford were (see below cut) Locomobile and Thomas Flyer twice, Autocar, Jackson, Renault, and Fiat.

Again, many thanks to Bob C. for lending his voice and time to this project. If you listen/watch, I hope you enjoy the project.


https://www.dropbox.com/s/2ee355rwpzuc3 ... o.mp4?dl=0


From the video:

[DHort]

Bob does a great voiceover on this video. Well worth watching.

[Rob]

Thanks Dave. Yes, Bob is the "silver tongued orator" (actually, that was three time Presidential nominee William Jennings Bryan, of, Nebraska.

A few more pics from the race. The photo below from one of the auto periodicals of 1907 shows the lighting systems used, with acetylene lights.

C. A. Coey, Chicago area Thomas agent, drove a stripped down Thomas 60 h.p. roadster, as well as this Thomas 60 hp Flyer relief car. It was the same model that would go on to win the New York to Paris race a year later. Coey drove both cars, choosing not to use a co-driver. After the Detroit race, he claimed victory on the grounds he covered the most miles as the solo driver. Henry Ford later reported to the press that playing eleven-man baseball with nine men and losing does not entitle the team to claim they won the nine man game. Coey went on to win a 24 hour race held later in the year in Chicago. He was accused by the National team of cheating on the lap counting. After much controversy his win was upheld by the AAA.

Mongini, a well known driver of the time, drove the Stevens-Duryea in the Detroit race. He went on to win one of the 24 hour races of 1907:

Below, a photo showing the all night spectators catching a nap in the morning of a 24 hour race:

Photo of a pit area at a 1907 24 hour race:

[A Whiteman]

Thanks Rob and Bob! That was great to watch (and listen too).
Much appreciated

[Rob]

My pleasure Adrian. 24 hour races were popular for a few years, then seem to have faded away, but for a few exceptions such as Le Mans and the Daytona (now Rolex) 24 hour races.

The record holder when Ford won had been a National (single car) in 1905. A 1906 24 hour race was scheduled for Detroit, but was not run.

A few clips from other 1907 24 hour races. The first is an article in which Thomas claims they won every 24 hour event entered, including C. A. Coey in the Detroit 24 hour. Problem is, it's untrue. By using the rationale that Coey was the only single driver, they claim to have won a race that they could have placed last in, since every other team had two drivers, and all but Wayne two cars.

Below, a spreadsheet from a few years ago, showing the makes and types of cars that entered the ten 1907 24 hour races:

Some Ford historians demote the 24 hour record achievement due to the Detroit race being a relay, two car race. However, when one compares the hour by hour totals of the record one car race (won by a Renault at Morris Park) with the Detroit race, the distances made per hour were comparable. Also, as with the Morris Park race, due to one car for each team, only four cars finished the race: