The new exhibit at the Phoenix Art Museum is called "Legends of Speed". They have assembled 22 race cars many of which have won some of the world's most iconic races.
This Bugatti was driven by a woman, Mariette Helene Delangle who came to be known as Helle Nice. She was a model and actress living in Paris. She developed a love a speed and entered her first race, an all-female race which she won. She set a new record in a Bugatti Type 35C and in 1930 she purchased the Bugatti 35B which she drove 24 hours in the Le Mans race.
This car was stationed at the entrance to the exhibit. It is a Lotus 79 from 1978. It was driven by Mario Andretti.
This one is the oldest one I saw. It was located in the museum lobby. It's a 1911 Franklin and it was driven in a grueling race between Los Angeles and Phoenix. That race was organized to promote the reliability of new automobiles and to advocate for better roads. Ralph Hamlin won the race in 1912. This car is the only one in the show displayed in its original condition.
I'm thinking these must have been very loud machines, judging from their exhaust pipes.
ReplyDeleteSo nice they are still there to watch the oldies.
ReplyDeleteSome of those old race cars seem so unlikely, don't they? How fast could they really go?!
ReplyDeleteI imagine that is a popular display, Sharon!
ReplyDeleteIt's obviously a lot tougher than it looks to make that trip Sharon, I love these old beauties 💙
ReplyDeleteQuite a variety of cars!
ReplyDeleteSeem to remember Mario's lotus was black & gold not white, nice exhibitio
ReplyDeleteThose are nice to see. A lovely display of classic race cars.
ReplyDeleteI shall recommend your post to several car-loving friends.
ReplyDeleteNice post. Great display. Thanks to Bruce the Catalyst for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteSome very beautiful old cars. What a collection.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like some pretty special cars came to town. Nice exhibit!
ReplyDeleteOriginal Condition?? And Raced Through The Desert - Holy Smokes - What A Museum
ReplyDeleteCheers
Oh my! What a display! I remember the Forumula 1 race in Phoenix in the early 1990 (?) but so many problems with the heat and the tires... which don't belong together.
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