Frank Robertson's Snuffy III Gas-Powered Racing Tether Car, circa 1948

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Artifact Overview

Tether cars, gas-powered model race cars, were popular in the 1930s and 1940s. They were raced individually while tethered to a central pivot, or against each other on a scaled-down board track. Frank Robertson won several trophies from the American Miniature Racing Car Association. This car, which Robertson named "Snuffy III," is an Indianapolis-style racer.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Model car

Date Made

circa 1948

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Driven to Win: Racing in America

Object ID

2013.47.142

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Eric Zausner and the E-Z Spindizzy Foundation.

Material

Aluminum (Metal)
Plastic
Rubber (Material)
Wood (Plant material)

Color

Red
Yellow (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 7 in
Width: 8.25 in
Length: 17.5 in
Weight: 6 lb

Inscriptions

hand lettered: X11 / SNUFFY III tires: DOOLING BROS. / LOS ANGELES, CALIF.
Frank Robertson's Snuffy III Gas-Powered Racing Tether Car, circa 1948