Christie racer 1916 Barney Oldfield early auto racing Kansas fairgrounds photo

Description

A superb and rare photo of the
Christie racer
as photographed with pilot Barney Oldfield
in Kansas in 1916
.
Christie racer and Barney Oldfield early auto racing Kansas fairgrounds photo
The Christine Company was originally called
Christine Iron Works
, but the name was changed in 1906. Walter Christie was actually America's first exponent of front-wheel drive. In 1904, he took a four-cylinder, 30 hp racer to Daytona Beach with an early front-wheel drive system. In all, six racers were built, two with 60 hp engines.
The Christine Company produced a gran touring car in 1907 with a 50 hp engine costing ,500 and 2,300 lbs. Also, the company produced a taxi cab.
Walter Christie spent most of his time racing and not promoting his cars. Because of this, the company folded in 1910.
Berna Eli "Barney" Oldfield
was an American pioneer automobile racer "whose name was synonymous with speed in the first two decades of the 20th century". He began racing in 1902 and continued until his retirement in 1918. He was the first man to drive a car at 60 miles per hour (96 km/h).
Oldfield was lent a gasoline-powered bicycle to race at Salt Lake City, which led to a meeting with Henry Ford, who had readied two automobiles for racing, and he asked Oldfield if he would like to test one at Ford's Grosse Pointe track. Oldfield agreed and traveled to Michigan for the trial, but neither car started. Despite the fact that Oldfield had never even driven an automobile, he and fellow racing cyclist Tom Cooper purchased both test vehicles when Ford offered to sell them for 0. One of them was the famous "No. 999" that debuted in October 1902 at the Manufacturer's Challenge Cup.
On May 28, 1916, he became the first person to lap the Indianapolis Speedway at more than 100 mph in the front wheel drive Christie Racer designed by John Walter Christie.
This is a very nice and very rare
non period
photo that reflects a wonderful era of early automotive history in a wonderful way.
This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 12" (ca. 20 x
30 cm
).
It makes it perfectly suitable for framing.
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
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