Fisher's Stoddard-Dayton 1909

This image artifact is derived from microfilm records of an Indianapolis News photograph published as Thanksgiving drew nearer on November 16, 1909. It shows Indianapolis Motor Speedway Founder and President Carl G. Fisher at the wheel of a new "torpedo body" Stoddard-Dayton. This was an early sleek, streamlined design that placed driver and passengers more inside the car as opposed to riding atop it.
 
Fisher sold Stoddard-Dayton models at his dealership, the Fisher Automobile Company, on Automobile Row in downtown Indianapolis. Most auto racing aficionados and Indianapolis 500 fans know that a (be sure to check out the following link for a comparison on how body design evolved in just a couple of years) Stoddard-Dayton was the first pace car in the world - anywhere - when it filled that role created in Fisher's mind as a way to start the 40-car field of the first Indianapolis 500.
 
The following copy was published with the original photo. 
 
"Carl Fisher's new Stoddard-Dayton, 60-horse power, $3,500 machine, is the first Indianapolis auto with a torpedo body, and it has just been received from the factory. The car is closed with double doors at the sides, while windshield has been built in front of the driver. When seated only the upper portions of the bodies of the front occupants show. They have the appearance of being seated in a boat. The new car is white with black trimmings. The same car of 50-horse power is sold for $2,800."