Wonderful Race Car Photos

Tony De Seta, one of the great auto racing historians that frequently contributes on the Yahoo Auto Racing History Group recently posted a great link to wonderful photos of historic race cars from the early days of motor sport. These cars were part of the late Lindsay Bothwell's elaborate collection of precious machines. These photos are antiques themselves, dating back to probably the late 1940's or 1950's. The photo can be dated with at least vague accuracy by the fact that the dignified flagman in the suit is none other than Ralph DePalma, winner of the 1915 500. The photos were obviously taken in the later stages of his life and since he died in 1956, the time frame can be established. The wisdom of the crowd in the History Group indicates that the event captured in these images probably took place in California. These photos were originally taken for Life Magazine.