American-Made Nazi & US Flag Race Tinnie!

[stonemint]

This is something I have had for quite a while, and thought it may be of interest here. It is one of the American-made (non-Bund) items with both the Nazi and US flags on it.

It is for a race that was held in 1937 outside of New York City. Both Mercedes and Auto Union sent their factory teams, so no other countries stood a chance (the Italians sent Nuvolari, who was driving an early Ferrari).

Mercedes sent Caracciola and Seaman, while Auto Union sent Rosenmeyer and Von Delius, along with Ferdinand Porsche.

This must have been a souvenir button sold to the spectators:

[stonemint]

Reverse of the button:

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I really couldn't find much about this race before the advent of the internet, which led me to this book:

[stonemint]

Even by todays standards, the cars were powerful--the Mercedes put of 646 hp!

Caracciola left the race with mechanical troubles, and Rosenmeyer went on to win, with Seaman's Mercedes in 2nd place. The American cars were way behind the Germans technology-wise, and the Indy cars were just too heavy to compete.

[DocumentsGuy]

A really cool pin and finding the book to go along with it is just about perfect. A very nice set.

[Sticks]

WOW! What a cool find. I am starting a small collection centered on Rosemeyer, so if you ever want to let this go, please keep me in mind. Thanks!

[stonemint]

Well, I am glad to find that others are as interested in the pre-war duels of the Silver Arrows and Mercedes. This is a neat poster showing Rosenmeyer crossing the finish line:

[stonemint]

This is the official program for the race:

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Rosemayer having just won:

[stonemint]

The man and his Horch (if I recall right, it is an 855 hard-top):

[stonemint]

Some PL had some serious RM in Krakau--this is also a Horch 855 :