![]() With the Great Depression affecting boat sales nationwide, manufacturers such as Gar Wood began producing smaller, more affordable boats rather than the large luxurious speedboats like the Baby Gar. ![]() Snail, the 37th of only 68 built between 19, is one of eight that are known to survive. Today the Baby Gar is one of the most sought after vintage runabouts in the world. It was through events such as these that the Baby Gar helped spur boating excitement for decades. In 1924, Gar Wood and his mechanic Orlin Johnson, costumed in coattails and top hats, entered a Baby Gar in the Buffalo Free-For-All Race, reacting to media accusations that Wood’s type of racing was not “gentleman’s.” It was also a stock Baby Gar runabout that made national headlines in April, 1925, when Gar Wood himself raced the 20th Century Limited passenger train from Albany to New York City and won decisively. They were expensive, but pure joy to the wealthy sportsmen that could afford them. The Baby Gar cost upwards of $10,000 at a time when the average three bedroom home in America could be purchased for less than $4,000 and a new Ford sedan cost $750. Snail is currently powered by her original 400hp 12-cylinder Liberty engine. The engines developed 400 to 500hp and could produce speeds in excess of 50Mph. Often referred to as a “gentleman’s racer,” the Baby Gar could be also used for recreational boating as well as racing.īaby Gars were powered with World War I Liberty aircraft engines that Gar Wood converted to marine use in his own plant. ![]() When Gar Wood’s race boats, with powerful aircraft engines, dominated the races for the fifth year in a row, the Race Committee decided to place restrictions on the types of boats permitted. Until that time there were few limits placed on boats that raced for this trophy each year. The Baby Gar model was Gar Wood’s response to the rules changes approved by the Gold Cup Racing Committee in 1922. Lawrence River that could beat Snail in a race. According to local legend, Noble had a standing offer of $1,000 to the owner of any boat on the St. Noble, president of the Life Saver Candy Company, lived in Upstate New York and was a summer resident of the Thousand Islands. With tongue-in-cheek, Noble named his new boat, one the fastest on the River, Snail. Noble to Gar Wood clearly shows his enthusiasm for his new boat. However, I cannot quite seem to curb my enthusiasm for my Baby Gar…I am now completely sold on the idea that I have purchased all the costly experience of Gar Wood very cheaply indeed and the result is a magnificent, smooth running, exceedingly fast runabout…again, assuring you of my pleasure in owning one of these boats…” This 1926 letter from Edward J. “I seldom write testimonial letters and I am quite sure that this is my first unsolicited one. Miss Detroit VII as she appears in ABM’s Gold Cup building today. Although the results of the race didn’t change, the name of the boat did. When Teddy was declared the winner, a major controversy ensued, as some observers felt that she should be disqualified for running several laps without the hatch. On the 49th lap, Teddy‘s missing hatch was replaced with one from Bruin, which by then had withdrawn from the race. The racing rules of the time required that the engines be covered by hatches. However, the victory was marred by controversy because one of her engine hatches blew off during the 43rd lap. ![]() Racing in the 1923 Sweepstakes race with Gar Wood’s brother George at the helm, she won the $10,000 first prize. She and her sistership Bruin were named for the two teddy bears that Gar Wood always carried with him as good luck mascots when he raced. Miss Detroit VII was built in 1924 by Gar Wood and originally named Teddy. Truly a wonderful example of a limited edition boat.Teddy and Bruin, in their life-jackets, posing with Gar Wood. All Sea Lyon's are triple cockpit models because the company was after the "luxury portion" of the market. Also noteworthy is the bronze hardware and the fact that this boat was screwed from the inside giving it a magnificent look. This is a true "collector's boat" as there are a limited amount of Sea Lyons available. ![]() This boat was advertised in the brochure to attain 35 mph with the 110 hp Chrysler. Show quality varnish, upholstery, engine rebuild and chrome. This is a beautiful triple cockpit Sea Lyon, fresh out of complete restoration. Many collectors know the story of Gar Wood giving exclusive rights to Charles Lyon to sell Gar Wood boats, only to have Lyon produce knock-offs for his own business. The 1946 24' CUSTOM Sea Lyon 35 Triple Cockpit Runabout Boat Halcton is a boat for sale located in Clayton, New York, United States. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |