MTFCA Forum

I was going through online pictures THF has for 999 and came across this.

Anyone know what it says? Link is to my post on the EFR asking the same question.

Seems odd that there is a "Since 1903" on a car built in 1902.

Thanks!

https://earlyfordregistry.com/phpBB3/vi ... ?f=3&t=593

From the picture it is hard to discern but in between the 'Ford' and 'Since 1903' there is something else written, that might provide the clue..

Was the car ever in the hands of a dealer?

If so, he might have painted 'Ford dealer since 1903' on it - anytime in the 1930s, 40s, 50s etc.

Correct. It’s a large “Ford” script, next it says “dealer”

What the numebr 999 mean?
I thought I heard something about that number before but I do not remember what ???

The racer, Bob

The racer was named after the Empire State Express No. 999 steam locomotive that had run 112.5 mph in 1893.

This car was built in 1902 (pre Ford Motor Company) and was nicknamed “999” after the famous steam locomotive that had set a world speed record. There were two race cars built, and their purpose was to promote public interest in Henry Ford and establish a reputation for Mr. Ford as a race car builder. Mr. Ford was already thinking about establishing a new automobile company, Mr. Ford’s third attempt.

This car was driven in several automobile race championships by Barney Oldfield. Mr. Ford remarked once that Barney “knew no fear” and was able to drive the car faster than anyone else.

After the car was retired from racing, it was sold to a series of private individuals until it ended up in the hands of William L Hughson of SanFrancisco. Hughson was the first Ford Dealer in California and ended up operating a number of large auto dealerships in the state, which were named “Standard Auto “.

Hughson used to display 999 throughout the northwest during the early 1920’s, sometimes in the company of Barney Oldfield. To promote his auto dealerships, Hughson painted the name William L. Hughson Agency on the side rails of the car. If you have a chance to visit The Henry Ford, where the car is on display, you can see the outline of the letters that spelled out the name of the agency.

As the author of “Henry Ford, Ed Huff and the Flywheel Magneto”, one of my favorite features of “999” are the four ignition coils, all of which are labeled “Huff”.

Respectfully submitted,

Trent Boggess

FWIW, to add a tidbit to Rich Eagle's post, if you should ever have occasion to visit the Amtrak station in Depew, NY, a few miles southeast of Buffalo, you can see a photo and a commemorative plaque about 999 and the speed record. Apparently it took place on the tracks very close to today's Amtrak station there.

My guess - looks like
Ford
Dealer
Since 1903

Thank you everyone for the responses!

I had forgotten that Mr. Hughson owned it, and was a dealer. I had the suspicion it said 'dealer' but it didn't add up. Thank you Mr. Boggess for setting me straight on that.