[ebaybin2]

Rare approximately 36-Piece Collection of Original 1919–1962 Indy 500 & Sprint Car Photography

Authentic Vintage Racing History | The "Ray Brady" & "R.L. Wood" Archive

Executive Summary

This is a museum-quality collection of 36 original photographs and Real Photo Postcards (RPPCs) documenting the "Golden Era" of American Open-Wheel racing. Spanning from 1919 to 1962, this archive features legendary drivers, iconic "Junk Formula" stock-block racers, and the legendary front-engine Roadsters of the Indianapolis 500.

Many of these pieces bear the official stamps of F.M. Kirkpatrick (the official IMS photographer) and the provenance of the Ray Brady team/collection. This is not a set of modern reprints; these are period-correct silver gelatin prints and studio-stamped press photos.

Collection Highlights

The Early Years (1919–1930s)

• 1919 Howdy Wilcox Winner Card: A rare promotional postcard celebrating the first post-WWI Indy 500 winner.

• 1923 Bugatti Team & European Invasion: Original W. Frank Jones "S-Series" photos featuring Count Louis Zborowski and the revolutionary Bugatti "Tank" cars.

• The "Junk Formula" Era: Multiple photos of the Studebaker-powered "Brady Specials" from 1930–1933, featuring drivers like Al Aspen, "Doc" MacKenzie, and Jack McDonald.

• The 1930 Maserati V4: An incredible shot of Baconin Borzacchini and the monstrous 16-cylinder Maserati during its first assault on the Brickyard.

Technical & Historic Milestones

• 1931 Cummins Diesel Special: Original photo of Dave Evans in the car that made history by finishing the 500 miles without a single pit stop.

• The Russell Snowberger Archive: Several shots of the legendary driver-engineer and his "Russell 8" stock-block racer.

• The Sparks-Thorne Specials: Rare garage and "naked" chassis shots of Art Sparks' innovative 6-cylinder engineering marvels.

• 1937 Overton Phillips Wreck: A chilling but historic F.M. Kirkpatrick photo of the #66 Mannix Special after a catastrophic (but survived) practice crash.

The Post-War Roadster Era (1946–1962)

• 1946 Jim Brubaker: Captured during the first race after WWII in the "Noc-Out Brake Lining Special."

• 1952 Art Cross (First ROTY): Several photos of the inaugural Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year in the Bowes Seal Fast Special.

• 1957 Don Edmunds: Inscribed photo of the 1957 Rookie of the Year.

• The 1950s "Chiropractic Specials": Featuring Andy Linden and the unique sponsorship of B.J. Palmer.

• Ray Brady Specials (1959–1962): Documentation of the team's evolution, featuring driver Bud Tingelstad and owner Ray Brady himself.

Condition & Provenance

• Photographers: Extensive representation of F.M. Kirkpatrick, Lytle Photos, P.M. Kirkpatrick, and Hager’s Studio.

• Provenance: Many pieces are hand-inscribed to or by owner Ray Brady. Several pieces bear the "R.L. Wood" collector/photographer mark.

• Physical State: These are vintage items. Expect "honest wear" including minor edge foxing, period-correct pencil notations on reverse, and small pinholes in corners from historical display in garages or workshops.