Speedway Posters » 30′s

1937 Gilmore Red Lion Oil Co. Advertisement Poster Print

stevo — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:00:23 +0000

This retro poster print is one of four prints of Gilmore Oil .Gilmore Oil –What began as a farmers market and grew to be a successful dairy farm, resulted in Arthur Fremont Gilmore striking oil at the turn of the century in Los Angeles, California. The Gilmore family took their fortune and became very active in the community, constructing Gilmore Stadium in 1934 with the very first race track specifically designed for midget racers.

This reproduction poster print from 1937 measures 15.5 inches wide x 21.5 inches tall. Makes for a great gift.

1937 Gilmore Red Lion Oil Co. Advertisement Poster Print

July 4, 1933 Los Angeles Air Races Poster Print

stevo — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 13:00:53 +0000

1933 Los Angeles Air Races Poster Print

Today is July 4 th !! Happy Birthday America !! Back in 1933 there was the Los Angeles Air Races. This poster print measures 17 inches wide x 22 inches tall. A great reproduction poster from the 30′s.

1939 Alexander Tether Car Poster Print

stevo — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:00:20 +0000

1939 Alexander Tether Car Poster Print

1939 Alexander Tether Car Poster Print. Measures 24 inches wide x 21 inches tall. An awesome reproduction poster.

In the earliest beginnings — Racing of miniature cars powered by gas airplane engines started in California around 1937. In the beginning the cars were home built with ashtray tires and primitive parts. They could reach speeds of around 40 MPHs. Soon clubs started to form, rules were drafted, tracks were spawned, and events planned. The earliest cars were lovingly modeled to appear authentic with windshields, seats, steering wheels, gages and sometimes even little drivers.

Pre-War — Manufacturers started to spring up and produced both kit cars and factory built ready-to-race cars. These cars were expensive for the day considering the depression had just recently ended. Most factory built cars sold for around $20 – $30 with the most expensive being the B.B. Korn selling for $53.50 in Magnesium form. Kit cars sold for as low as $10. Prior to the war, cars reached speeds in the mid-70s for Protos and 100 MPH for cable streamliners.

War time — Unfortunately, the hobby suffered like so many others during the second World War. Most manufacturers went out of business because metals were shifted to the war efforts. To my knowledge, The Dooling Bros. were the only one notable manufacturer resumed operations after the war.

Post War — After the war ended, manufacturers began to spring up once again. Because of the war, there were new, light-weight materials to work with such as plastics, and fiberglass. Most cars began to take on more streamlined looks and began to reach speeds of 100+ MPH.

The End — It has been said that the hobby came to a close due to the lack of fan participation. The cars had become too fast and the fans could not longer view them. The cars also lost their appeal when they took on a more streamlined appearance and no longer represented the real midget race cars of the day.

June 25, 1934 Syracuse New York State Fair Grounds Racing Poster Print

stevo — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:00:09 +0000

1934 Syracuse New York State Fair Grounds Racing Poster Print

June 25……….. 1934 ! Syracuse, New York @ the New York State Fairgrounds. An awesome reproduction racing poster print. This print measures 17 inches wide x 22 inches tall. 1934 Syracuse New York State Fair Grounds Racing Poster Print.

1934 Los Angeles Municipal Airport Pacific Speedway Poster Print

stevo — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:00:29 +0000

1934 Los Angeles Municipal Airport Pacific Speedway Poster Print

Before Los Angeles International Airport became a bustling modern airport, it included L.A. Municipal Airport Speedway, where cars raced from 1934 to 1936. Speed-mad Angelenos flocked to the two-mile dirt track to see such daredevils as Rex Mays of Riverside, Louie Meyer of Los Angeles, Lou Moore of San Gabriel and Kelly Petillo of Huntington Park, who wore dashing scarves, white-cloth headgear and goggles during their adventures. In the early part of the 20th century, L.A. was the centerpiece of motor racing. In Beverly Hills and Culver City, tracks were made of lumber. Long Beach and Santa Monica used city streets. Lincoln Heights and Saugus favored dirt. In fact, according to author Harold L. Osmer, Southern California was the biggest racing market in the world.

This program poster print from 1934 is awesome. The reproduction poster measures 16 inches wide x 20 inches tall, will make for a great candidate to be framed up for the garage, shop, office or workshop.