Catalog Archive
Auction 179, Lot 144

"Map of the United States, Showing Route of Race and Return Route of Ford Car No. 2 [in] The Story of the Race...",

Subject: United States

Period: 1909 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Printed Color

Size:
10 x 5 inches
25.4 x 12.7 cm
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This fascinating map published by the Ford Motor Company delineates the route of Ford Car No. 2 during the Ocean to Ocean Automobile Endurance Contest in 1909. The race was connected to the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in Seattle and began on the same day, June 1, 1909. On that date, six automobiles departed from New York City and headed towards the finish line at the world's fair in Seattle. After 23 days, Ford Car No. 2, a lightweight Model T, was the first to arrive at the finish line. The victory was reversed months later due to a disqualifying engine change during the trip, but by that point, Henry Ford had already used the race as a promotional tool to popularize his Model T. This map and accompanying booklet are part of that promotional push. The map folds into a 32-page booklet that details the car's tumultuous road to triumph, illustrated with B&W photographs and drawings.

References:

Condition: A

Condition code is for the folding map, which is near fine with one tiny spot in Maine. The booklet has light dampstaining along the top edge and minimal wear to the wrappers.

Estimate: $140 - $170

Sold for: $100

Closed on 9/16/2020

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