Henry Ford and driver Barney Oldfield

Today, Ford is a well-recognized and widely lauded brand synonymous with reliable automobiles.

Many may not know that its history launched not only one but two careers— that of its founder, Henry Ford, and renowned car racer Barney Oldfield. It all began with a single racecar – No. 999.

Let’s start at the very beginning when, in 1902, Ford was struggling. Following failure after failure, he had finally drawn shut the shutters of the Detroit Automobile Company.

Ford was itching to break into the lucrative automobile industry, and he believed that the key was car racing.

In a letter to his brother-in-law, Ford insisted that although his company may not support him in his risk pursuit, he sincerely believed that the racing industry could make millions in a niche where manufacturing could not. Ford hatched the plans for No. 999 while staying with his old company.

The 999 would ultimately prove Ford right. In terms of design, the vehicle was rudimentary at best— it was not particularly sleek, conservative with fuel, or capable of traveling long distances.

However, it could do one thing quite well— the No. 999 moved very, very fast. In fact, the car won so many races that it put Ford’s newly-established Ford Motor Company on the map.

The No.999 Vehicle

While Ford took credit for the design of the incredible No. 999, it was someone else who commandeered the vehicle in its many victorious races. This brings us to the second career Ford’s company helped to launch, that of the legendary racer, Barney Oldfield.

In 1902, Oldfield had already carved a reputation for himself as a successful bicycle racer. He thrived on the adrenaline rush of going at extreme speeds and was known not to shy away from a challenge. It was no surprise for him when Ford called upon Oldfield to drive the No. 999 in its maiden race.

The fastest car that won a race in 1902

The race took place in October of the same year and consisted of just four racers who had to navigate a five-mile circuit. It called for a balance between the skill level of the racer, as well as the mechanical capabilities of the vehicle.

Oldfield blew the competition out of the water, clinching first place with an impressive timing of 5 minutes and 28 seconds. This would become the new record for a five-mile race in a closed circuit at that time.

So, what made the 999 so fast?

Four-cylinder engine of 999

Its speed came from its huge four-cylinder engine, which allowed the vehicle to reach average speeds of up to 60mph.

Barney Oldfield in Henry Ford’s car

With a skilled driver at its wheel, the 999 broke record after record and brought the Ford name to the public eye. While Oldfield would go on to become one of the most famous racecar drivers in the world, the 999 generated an incredible buzz among automobile enthusiasts.

This buzz was sustained to the point of establishing Ford as one of the most recognized names in the automobile industry, and as we all know, the company has maintained that status since.