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A mystery with two wheels off the ground

A mystery with two wheels off the ground

  • A mystery with two wheels off the ground

We were a bit mystified when we came across this picture. What is it that we actually see here? The photo originates from Lawrence 0. Hughes auto racing photo collection. Hughes or “Hughie” raced the outlaw circuits of Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa from 1922 to 1934. The photographs in the collection give a clear picture of a racer’s life in the 1920s.

But who are the people in this particular photo? And can anyone tell us more about this rather primitive-looking racing car? What would be the reason for it having the two front wheels off the ground? We also found this photo — which may well have been taken at the same time. Since we can also see the back of the car, it might help us a bit.

 

Do you also have an (old) photograph of a vehicle that you would like to know more about? Send it to us, maybe we can help.

 

Picture Northwest Vintage Speedsters Portland Oregon.

 

Published:
Monday January 17th, 2022

Comments

Jakob Bonfils
23 January 2022, 12:14
I am so facinated that its possible to tell what’s on a 100 years old picture, thanks for that.
I have cleared up the picture of the Rajo Ford and made the wheels circular !
Best from Jakob Bonfils
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C.Gillingham
17 January 2022, 02:06
I think this is Noel Bullock with his Rajo Ford that won Pikes Peak in 1922.

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David Liepelt
17 January 2022, 00:48
The car is a rather typical Model T based racer that ran all over the US in the 20s and early 30s. It looks very similar to a famous one driven by Noel Bullock that won the Pikes Peak Hillclimb. The car is on the trailer built with a Model T rear axle, which didnt have ramps. You just tipped it up and winched the car on. The racer and trailer use the same wire wheels. Makes it handy having spares.

In the left rear of the photo appears to be a tent. I would assume that the fellow has his wife and daughter along as he goes from race to race, often at local county fairs thru the Summer.

Thank you for a fantastic site!
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David Liepelt
17 January 2022, 21:49
The Bullock car has pin drive wheels, a single hood strap, and a visible auxiliary transmission underneath.

Car on trailer appears to have spline drive wheels, two hood straps and a fuel tank filler in the top of the cowl.
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