The 16 Mercedes Race Cars of the Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island
Mercedes was one of the most successful marques in the early history of automobile racing. Despite participating in all six Long Island Vanderbilt Cup Races and entering more automobiles than any other marque (16), a Mercedes never finished in the top three places.
Below is a summary of the 16 Mercedes that participated in the Vanderbilt Cup Races from 1904 to 1910.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
Summary
The highest finish of the 16 Vanderbilt Cup Race Mercedes was fourth (1908 and 1909).
1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race
#1 Mercedes (Germany) driven by Albert Campbell, 60 HP. Finished 5th- Running in Hicksville when race was called. Averaged 35 mph. Referee William K. Vanderbilt, Jr. can be seen in the lower right corner wearing a fur coat.
#18 Mercedes (Germany) driven by William Luttgen. 60 HP. Finished 7th. Running in near grandstand when race was stopped. Averaged 39.1mph
#8 Mercedes (Germany) driven by Edward Hawley, 90 HP. Finished 11th. Broke both front springs near Westbury grandstand during lap 5.
#5 Mercedes (Germany) driven by George Arents, Jr., 60 HP. Finished 14th. Overturned in Elmont killing mechanician Carl Mensel during lap 2.
#9 Mercedes (Germany) driven by Wilhelm Werner, 90 HP. Finished 15th. Broke cylinder at Mineola RR crossing on Jericho Turnpike during lap 2. Willie K's back was to the photographer.
1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race
#9 Mercedes (Germany) driven by John Warden, 120 HP. Finished 8th. Still running in Lap #9 when race was called. Rear wheel running on rim. Best performance of German team. Averaged 47.3 mph.
#5 Mercedes (Germany) driven by Foxhall Keene and mechanician William Luttgen, 120 HP. Finished 11th. Skidded into telegraph pole at S curve at Willis Avenue and broke wheel during Lap 6. Pole was owned by his father's company.
#1 Mercedes (Germany) driven by Camille Jenatzy, 120 HP. Finished 15th. Cracked cylinder during Lap 4.
#X Mercedes (Germany) driven by Albert Campbell, 120 HP. Finished 18th. "Unlucky" 13th car to start race. Gasoline tank fell off during Lap #2. Only car to run in Vanderbilt Cup Races without a number.
1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race
#3 Mercedes (Germany) driven by Camille Jenatzy, 120 HP. Finished 5th. Completed all 10 laps. Averaged 58.5 mph.
#7 Mercedes (Germany) driven by William Luttgen, 120 HP. Finished 11th. Running in Lap 9 when race was called. Averaged 48.2 mph.
1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race
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#5 Mercedes (Germany) driven by William Luttgen. 90 HP. Finished 4th. Car owned by William K. Vanderbilt Jr. Running in last lap when race was called.
#3 Mercedes (Germany) driven by Emil Stricker. 120 HP. Finished 6th. Caught fire at Locust Grove, running when race was stopped
#18 Mercedes (Germany) driven by Foxhall Keene. 120 HP. Finished 11th. Cracked two cylinders in Jericho during lap 5.
1909 Vanderbilt Cup Race
#16 Mercedes (Germany) driven by Spencer Wishart. Finished 4th. Running in 17th lap when race was called.
1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race
#4 Mercedes (Germany) driven by Spencer Wishart. Finished 17th. Flagged during 18th lap.
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