More Ford Special racer details and information.

[Rob]

The staff at Benson Library (THF) have been great locating additional photos of the Ford Special racer sent to France in 1911. All photos were purchased, and not intended for reprinting. Courtesy THF, all rights apply.

The racer was sent to participate in the French Grand Prix, as well as other competitions. I have know idea what possessed Henry Ford to send a car to French Ford representative Henri Depasse, but it was sent, and it competed admirably. The pinnacle of success (pun intended) was a 2nd place finish in the Mont Ventoux hill climb competition (Ventoux is comparable to the Pikes Peak run in grade and distance, being slightly steeper and a km longer). Remarkably, the racer was wrecked while practicing for the Grand Prix. Amazingly, the wreck shown below was rebuilt in a span of three weeks to compete in the hill climb.

I'm interested in opinions about the equipment on the racer. I think the line running along the bottom is an oil line from the fuel tank (specials had two tanks in the rear tank, one for fuel and one oil). The magneto pad and magneto are somewhat recognizable toward the front of the motor closest to the ground (right side of racer). I was surprised to see some parts that withstood the crash, such as the wishbone ball joint staying intact, although the wishbone braces were severely twisted. The car was reported to have been traveling 75 to 80 mph at the time of the accident:

This is a photo of the racer, with Depasse at the wheel:

This photo was taken during the hill climb, after the racer was rebuilt:

This photo taken during a 1 km from a standing start competition. The racer placed 2nd over, losing only to a 100 hp Rossel racer. The racer made 69 mph in one kilometer:

In the last two pics, it looks to me that the racer is running with the exhaust ports (holes in the cylinders that let off exhaust and heat) open, judging by the smoke exiting the left side of the hood.

[Wayne Sheldon]

That car was twisted and bent so badly, and in so many ways, it really shows the toughness of Ford's design and materials. As bad as that wishbone is. I would consider straightening it myself! I do wonder how much of that wreckage was actually used on the repaired racer three weeks later? The frame, and parts of the rear end may have been replaced. However, I suspect even those could have been repaired satisfactorily.
It appears that the engine unit may have required very little serious repair. On the other hand, I think very little of that front wheel was repaired!
Thanks Rob! I hope all is well out your way.