In the 1920’s, Germany produced the first race car. However, cars became more popular and competitive in the 1950’s. This was the age for streamlined cars. The Intimidator and Velocipede were all successful. The Le Mans racer was the true race car, and it is still the most powerful car in the world.
Duryea
The first race car in America was the Duryea Motor Wagon. It was created by the Duryea brothers and became the first gasoline-powered vehicle sold in the United States.
The car took an impressive 10 hours to complete a 54-mile course. Duryeas took a slight lead during the race, but it was only temporary. Two other cars failed to reach the starting line. The Duryeas improved their design and won.
A contender was also the Benz automobile. Three of the cars were sponsored by Macy’s New York. Eventually, the Benz car passed the Duryeas’ vehicle. Despite the fact the Benz finished the race two hours later than expected, the Duryeas won it.
The Duryea brothers were ultimately the founders and leaders of the American automobile industry. They created and manufactured the first successful gas-powered car, opening the door for Henry Ford and his Model T.
After the car boom of late 1920s, Duryeas did not grow as large. They were nevertheless the largest car manufacturer at the time. Many of their designs were famous, including the Duryea Motor Wagon and the Stevens-Duryea Limousine.
Charles and Frank Duryea had a mutual love for cars, and mechanical tinkering. They founded the Duryea Motor Wagon Company. After a successful race, the Duryeas decided to incorporate their company.
Frank Duryea was only 97 years of age when he died in Saybrook Connecticut on February 15, 1967. He was the last remaining founding father of the auto industry.
The Duryeas won the first American car race and helped to usher in the American automobile age. About a decade later, they helped to set the stage for Henry Ford Model T.
Velocipede
The velocipede was a human-powered vehicle on land that was predated the modern bicycle. Its name is derived from the Latin word velox, meaning “swift” and pes, meaning “foot.”
In the 1860s, velocipedes were first made. These early velocipedes were either three-wheeled (or four-wheeled) and powered by pedals that were attached at the front wheel.
In France, velocipedes were a popular form of recreation. However, they were expensive. Velocipedes were made only by small businesses until the 1870s. They were heavy and required coordination. Some models had treadles and a lever to turn, but they weren’t as fast as a bike.
In the United States, the velocipede began showing up in 1868. New York City was the hub of velocipede production. Manufacturers such as G.H. Mercer and Monad, Pickering and Davis, and John and George Hanlon began making cycles in 1870s.
The popularity of the velocipede wasn’t long-lasting. Competition soon lowered prices. The velocipede mania was over by 1869.
A velocipede was either a two-wheeled, or three-wheeled, bicycle with a saddle. It also had pedals. There were many designs available, but all had a rear and front wheel. Pedals were placed on the front wheel and operated by a seated rider.
In the 1860s, several French inventors began to develop bicycle-like pedals that were mounted on the front wheel. This was the most significant development in the history velocipedes.
In many western and eastern cities, velocipede skating had been established by the late 1860s. In New York, indoor rinks opened in Buffalo and Gowanda.
In Philadelphia and Albany, Velocipede skating rinks were established later. Rinks were often set up in old buildings in the city. In Albany, a freight house had been converted into a velocipede rink.
Intimidator
Chevrolet Monte Carlo Intimidator is a limited-edition special edition model. It was built for US and Canadian markets only. It was a genuine sports car, not a gimmick nameplate. A more upscale version, the SS model, was also produced.
The Chevy Monte Carlo Intimidator was actually an homage to the late, great Dale Earnhardt Sr. He had an illustrious career that included 76 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series and a host of other accolades. The high-profile car he built is a reflection of his legacy. The car is now gone, but the memories of his long and successful career in the sport are still cherished.
The Monte Carlo Intimidator, a truly cool car, deserves all the attention. The Intimidator was a real sports car. However, it also has some bizarre claims to fame.
The best feature of the Intimidator’s car was its in-car video display. It allowed for a virtual 360-degree viewing of the interior. While most cars use a smaller LCD screen, the Intimidator’s was large enough to provide a fully immersive experience.
Its display was the most technologically advanced at the time of its release, incorporating an advanced radar system, a regenerative braking system, and an electronic engine management system. Additional features include a rear view camera, front and back parking assist, as well as an electric rear spoiler.
During its brief run, the Intimidator was a hit with NASCAR fans, especially those who were on the lookout for a sexy sports car that could handle the demands of a top-notch racetrack. It is not available in every location, but it is a worthwhile addition to any Nascar fan’s collection.
Brooklands
Brooklands was the world’s first purpose-built motor-racing circuit. It was built in 330 acres of woodland and farmland near Weybridge, Surrey.
The track opened on 17 June 1907, and its first race was held the following day. Thirteen cars lined up for the start. The winner was able to maintain an average speed of 106 km/h throughout the four hour and 288 mile race.
In the early years, motorcycle racing took place at Brooklands, but was not allowed on open roads. This resulted in an influx of knowledgeable enthusiasts, who attended the events.
It was used for speed record attempts and time trials. Eventually, women began competing in races.
A second British Grand Prix was held at Brooklands in 1927. The racing course was created to compete with more complex courses on the continent.
Brooklands hosted several mass-start cycle races during the 1930s. These races often featured a Ladies’ Only grid.
In the early days, racers were instructed to wear silks in the style of jockeys. Brooklands saw a rise in women’s participation as the sport became more popular.
Dorothy Levitt, the first woman to compete at motor racing, was a 1903 competitor. She was the first female racing driver in the world and holds the Ladies’ World Land Speed Records.
Brooklands was shut down after WWI for repairs. Its last ever race was in 1939. After the war, the track was used as a production site for military aircraft.
Brooklands is now an aviation museum. Here you can see a collection old and new aircraft and cars. Some remnants of the original track are still visible. However, modern features can block the old track’s path.
Brooklands is located 15 miles SW of London. Brooklands has been featured on numerous TV and radio shows and movies.
Le Mans
Le Mans is a circuit located in France. This circuit has hosted many innovations and events. Some of these innovations have been incorporated in everyday automobiles.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a race for speed and endurance. It was originally conceived as a way to help the automotive industry develop and test production-based cars. Rather than compete on the same circuit used for Grand Prix racing, the goal was to find new ways to build sports cars that are also fuel-efficient.
In its early years, competition was between open-top racecars. The competition changed after World War II when a variety of closed-body models were made.
Until the 1960s, most competitors were racing two-seaters. Although there were a few teams with more than one driver at the races, most teams still relied on the driver’s ability and speed to keep up.
Although the competition was still dominated by closed-cockpit coupes, the first supercar appeared in Le Mans. McLaren made its debut at the event and beat its more powerful rivals.
Le Mans hosted the first Grand Prix of the world in 1906. However, the race did not officially become the Grand Prix of Le Mans until 1923. The race was organized by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), in 1923.
In its early years, the car needed to be lightweight and compact. Because they had simple curves to conceal the mechanical parts, they were called “tanks”.
The race became almost a annual event in the 1930s. During the Great Depression, a labor strike forced the race to be postponed. Later, the race was reconstructed and major automakers began taking an interest.