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MOTORing through time

The big story this month, "The Winning OfA Cup," describes in detail the first Vanderbilt Cup race on Oct. 4, 1904. The race takes place on a 28.4-mile triangular section of public roads on Long Island, New York. Starting time is 6 a.m., to avoid traffic congestion, and nearly 50,000 people attend the event. MoToR's 12 pages of race coverage, including numerous photographs and charts, delight motor racing fans.

The cover, portraying one of the Vanderbilt Cup racers bursting off the magazine, is an artist's rendering of the No. 6 car, a 24-hp Pope-Toledo.

90 Years Ago: March 1912

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Winter brings new challenges for the competitive spirit of early automobile racers. To satisfy their need for speed, racers of the day begin to fashion gasoline-- engine-driven "ice racers" to streak over frozen lakes and rivers.

This month's feature, "Gasoline, Ice and Speed," reports on the various designs and methods of propelling a car across the ice and debates the use of studded wheels vs. sled-style skids. Where few other "ice-- motors" are found, races are held that pit gasolinepowered vehicles against horse-drawn sleds or wind-driven iceboats.

80 Years Ago: March 1921

MoToR becomes a guidebook for the upscale motorist, a technical handbook for the repair trade and a source book for potential buyers. The pages of MoToR this month are filled with articles on the latest ladies' fashions from abroad, photos of motoring celebrities and reports on the social elite.

MoToR also publishes articles that espouse safe driving techniques, journals of motoring tours and comparison profiles on more than 30 brands of automobiles. Other articles include a look at the factory machinery used in auto manufacture, methods of lubricating noisy gears and spring tuneup techniques.

50 Years Ago: June 1954

The post-war economic boom continues and car sales climb to new heights. MOTOR reports that privately owned vehicles have reached a record level-over 56 million. An article on the national economic outlook states that with gross personal income at about $285 million, prices stable and production increasing, the prospect for the industry looks promising.

In racing, Bill Vukovich shatters his own Indy 500 mark of 128.74 mph, winning his second consecutive Indy. His record speed is 130.84 mph. Because there were only four minor accidents, speed increases this year, and a record 19 cars finish the race.

40 Years Ago: March 1968

The downside of heavy urban traffic begins to leave its mark on the environment and large cities become blanketed with a rusty umbrella of smog. MOTOR, as always, is on the forefront of the issue. "Can Surgery Save The Internal Combustion Engine?" looks at what's being done by automakers, government agencies, oil companies and technology firms to make internal combustion engines cleaner and more fuel-efficient. It points out that even though crankcase blowby fumes are now contained by the use of PVC systems, the potential damage from tailpipe exhaust pollutants and fuel vapor hydrocarbons must be controlled.

30 Years Ago: March 1972

"Performance Corner," a monthly racing news column, details the recent NASCAR Daytona 500 and Permatex 300 races. It also includes a report that Chrysler, whose cars dominated the 1971 NASCAR series, will not provide factory support for the 1972 season.

A technical article, "Platinum 'Soap' To Clean Up Exhaust," tells of early experiments with a catalytic converter, then known as an "exhaust gas purifier." It explains the scientific process used to remove pollutants from automotive exhaust and debates the availability, high expense, durability and stability of the precious metal needed to make the device work.

70 Years Ago: March 1938

Race fans are shocked to read of the death of popular German driving ace Bemd Rosemeyer, winner of the 1937 George Vanderbilt Cup at Roosevelt Raceway at Long Island, New York. Rosemeyer had been attempting to set a new speed record for the "flying mile" in a streamlined Auto Union, designed by Ferdinand Porsche, on a section of the German autobahn near Frankfurt. Mercedes-Benz driver Rudolf Caracciola had just set a record of 268 mph. Rosemeyer's tire came off at nearly 260 mph and the car struck a bridge. Two photos accompanying the story show Rosemeyer starting his last run.

60 Years Ago: March 1942

America is still reeling from the recent attack on Pearl Harbor and begins gearing up for the war effort. The national program of salvaging material begins. Competitive racing ceases for the duration. MoToR features an article and photos describing how factories are switching from making automobiles to building tanks, trucks, planes and munitions.

Other articles ponder the future of the industry when the war ends. "On Watch With MoToR," reports on news and trends in the automotive trade. A patriotic logo appears on the cover, urging people to buy defense bonds and stamps.

20 Years Ago: March 1980

"Trackside," a column for racing enthusiasts, looks at the racing heritage of Duesenberg. From 1921 until 1936, when the Depression killed it, the "Duesy" set no less than 66 world speed records and won numerous races. Its combination of fine craftsmanship and advanced technology made it the most sought-after vehicle of the day.

Automotive Industry

MOTORing through time

Motor, Mar 2003

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