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National Semi-Racing Roadster

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https://digital.library.illinois.edu/items/d39aa740-0d92-0135-23f6-0050569601ca-b
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Descriptive Information

Title
National Semi-Racing Roadster
Description
The 1913 National Semi-Racing Roadster is a two-passenger automobile. Its engine and hand crank are in the front. There are two large, tube-shaped gasoline tanks behind driver's seat. Behind the gas tanks is a storage shelf for two spare tires and luggage. The roadster has four rubber tires with wooden spokes. The National has three large headlights and a brake light. The driver and passenger compartment is open, and the car has no windshield. The car is painted gray with red and black trim.
Interpretation
This sporty National Semi-Racing Roadster reflects the racing tradition of its designer and manufacturer, racecar driver Arthur Newby. Originally involved with bicycles, Newby invented the famous six-day bicycle race during the national craze for bicycles. Along with James Allison and Carl Fisher, Newby built the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1909. Its first race took place in 1911. The winning car had a rear-view mirror, the first time this technology was used, and the publicity following the race led to the mirror's quick adoption nationwide. Newby's own racecar won the race in 1912. The speedway is now internationally famous for its 500-mile race held annually on Memorial Day. The National Semi-Racing Roadster was manufactured by Newby's firm, the National Motor Vehicle Company.
Lesson Plans / Themes
How We Learn About Communities  
Learning Standards
  • 13 Science, Technology and Society  
  • 10-12 Science  
  • 16 History  
Author or Creator
Newby, Arthur  
Source
  • Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, Accession File #49.269  
  • Drackett, Phil, ed. The Encyclopedia of the Motorcar. New York: Crown Publishers, 1979. Matteucci, Marco. History of the Motor Car. Turin, Italy: Octopus Books, 1970  
Subject / Keywords
  • Racecars  
  • Land transportation  
  • Indianapolis (Ind.)  
  • Racing cars  
  • Automobiles  
  • Cars  
Temporal Coverage
1913
Collection Publisher
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
Rights
Copyright Not Evaluated
Resource Identifier
49.269
Date Created
37487
Collection Title
Teaching with Digital Content (Cultural Heritage Community)
Collection
Teaching with Digital Content (Cultural Heritage Community)
TitleNational Semi-Racing Roadster
DescriptionThe 1913 National Semi-Racing Roadster is a two-passenger automobile. Its engine and hand crank are in the front. There are two large, tube-shaped gasoline tanks behind driver's seat. Behind the gas tanks is a storage shelf for two spare tires and luggage. The roadster has four rubber tires with wooden spokes. The National has three large headlights and a brake light. The driver and passenger compartment is open, and the car has no windshield. The car is painted gray with red and black trim.
InterpretationThis sporty National Semi-Racing Roadster reflects the racing tradition of its designer and manufacturer, racecar driver Arthur Newby. Originally involved with bicycles, Newby invented the famous six-day bicycle race during the national craze for bicycles. Along with James Allison and Carl Fisher, Newby built the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1909. Its first race took place in 1911. The winning car had a rear-view mirror, the first time this technology was used, and the publicity following the race led to the mirror's quick adoption nationwide. Newby's own racecar won the race in 1912. The speedway is now internationally famous for its 500-mile race held annually on Memorial Day. The National Semi-Racing Roadster was manufactured by Newby's firm, the National Motor Vehicle Company.
Lesson Plans / ThemesHow We Learn About Communities  
Learning Standards
  • 13 Science, Technology and Society  
  • 10-12 Science  
  • 16 History  
Author or CreatorNewby, Arthur  
Source
  • Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, Accession File #49.269  
  • Drackett, Phil, ed. The Encyclopedia of the Motorcar. New York: Crown Publishers, 1979. Matteucci, Marco. History of the Motor Car. Turin, Italy: Octopus Books, 1970  
Subject / Keywords
  • Racecars  
  • Land transportation  
  • Indianapolis (Ind.)  
  • Racing cars  
  • Automobiles  
  • Cars  
Temporal Coverage1913
Collection PublisherMuseum of Science and Industry, Chicago
RightsCopyright Not Evaluated
Resource Identifier49.269
Date Created37487
Collection TitleTeaching with Digital Content (Cultural Heritage Community)
CollectionTeaching with Digital Content (Cultural Heritage Community)

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