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Week of May 26th

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Ford vs. Chevy - 1905 Cape May Auto Races

In the early 20th century, interest was growing in the “horseless carriage” across the nation. Car clubs and races were popping up across the Country.

Manufacturers were very competitive and anxious to show that they had the best automobile people should buy. Races popped up on the track and off the track. While New Jersey had it’s share of racetracks, New Jersey also has 130 miles of coastline and sand was seen to be an ideal place to test and race cars. (Today, The Race of Gentlemen (T.R.O.G.) is an example of vintage beach racing.)

In August of 1905, Cape May, New Jersey, was the place to be if you were an automobile magnate. It was here you could show off and race your latest automobile fender-to-fender with other key manufacturers of the time on the “Cape May Speedway”.

Cape May’s beach was described as the best beach in the nation. Only the famous Ormond, Florida beach was considered better for racing new machines.

The Cape May automobile club sent out entry blanks for the august 25th and 26th meet and speed test. There would be a special prize for a free-for-all event for the mile and kilometer opened to the world. A one-mile gymkhana race; standing start; touring cars with three passengers and cars to be run three-eights of a mile. Also on the roster of events – stop car, unload all passengers who would select umbrellas from a barrel, open them before resuming their seats – car to continue as soon as all passengers were seated with umbrellas raised. First car crossing the mile finish line is the winner. If any umbrella was closed, broken, or turned inside out, the car would be disqualified.

That August more than 10,000 people descended upon the city for the weekend beach carnival including three days of racing. The likes of Henry Ford, Louis Chevrolet, A. L. Campbell, and professional racer, Walter Christie (of New Milford, New Jersey) participated in the races, along with many others.

The winning driver would be presented with the famous Dewar challenge cup. At first, many thought Henry Ford would receive the Dewar cup by default since Walter Ross (who won the cup at Ormond) sold his racing car. Walter Christie sent a challenge to Henry Ford to race him on the Cape May beach where the winner would take possession of this prestigious challenge trophy.

It is said that Ford was delayed and, therefore, raced without the benefit a a pre-race tune up. Alas, after holding the lead he came in last of four. Reports said that he lost the lead due to a rogue wave that washed the car out of the race. This was unfortunate because he was counting on using the prize money to pay for his stay at the Stockton Inn.

How was he to pay for the stay? He offered Ford stock, but the hotel manager said no, he wanted the cash. With little else to offer, he sold the Model F sedan that he had used to tow the race car to local Mr. Dan Focer for $400 and a promise to make him the first dealer of Ford vehicles.

In 1908 “Uncle Dan” opened the first Ford agency in Cape May. According to an article in the Cape May County Herald, “...In 1922, at age 75 ,Daniel Focer was the co-owner of Focer & Mecray, Cape May Ford dealership. Focer proudly displayed the Model F he got from Ford at the dealership….”

As a side note: During races in August, Mrs. Clarence C. Fitler was the only woman driver to enter the races and the only driver to remain undefeated during the two days of racing.

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The Cape May Hotel
(later called the Christian Admiral)

Dan Focer sitting in the Model F Ford purchased from Henry Ford

Louis Chevrolet in Fiat car n. 16 during the 1905 Cape May Beach races
(Detroit Public Library, National Automotive History Digital Collection)

Henry Ford with the Ford Model K racecar on the beach in Cape May
(Collections of The Henry Ford)