Piston from "999 Racing Car," 1902
THF174421 / Piston from "999 Racing Car," 1902
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Artifact Overview
Henry Ford's "999" race car featured an enormous 1,156-cubic-inch, four-cylinder engine that produced 80 horsepower. Ford worried about driving the car himself, so he hired bicycle racer Barney Oldfield. The fearless Oldfield won many races with "999" and became America's first nationally famous racing driver. The car's success helped Ford promote his next venture: Ford Motor Company.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Piston
Date Made
1902
Location
On Loan - Fuji Motorsport Museum (Oyama, Japan)
Object ID
19.3.1.2
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of William Hughson.
Material
Metal
Color
Black (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 7 in
Diameter: 7.25 in
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Related Artifacts
Artifact1902 Ford "999" Race Car, Built by Henry Ford
Henry Ford hired a fearless bicycle racer named Barney Oldfield to drive "999." Although he had never driven a car, Oldfield learned quickly and won his first competition. He went on to become America's first nationally famous racing hero, known for his thrilling exhibition races and the trademark cigar he chewed to protect his teeth in a crash.