The Great Race from New York to Paris

[@mattriddell8983]

If The History Guy did a 10-minute video about how paint dries, it would still be worth a thumbs-up.

[@gundam4509116]

There was a tv show about paint drying with classicle music playing in the background.

[@wkdravenna]

True lol he would definitely have some interesting facts about famous paint people like Sherman Williams and Benjamin Moore.

[@binyon7]

MR: Dude .. he did a paint episode! History of lane markings!!!! Good Stuff!!!!

[@dale3404]

Yeah. I click the like button as soon as it pops up. I know I’m going to enjoy whatever history lesson he offers.

[@nonprogrediestregredi1711]

@@dale3404 Agreed. He has a fantastic demeanor and cadence as he tells the history of basically anything.

[@osagejon8972]

Another few bits of history... The Thomas Flyer also competed in the 1986 Great American Race and was driven by Ginni Withers. The Thomas Flyer was restored not to new but to when it had finished in Paris. Bill Harrah of casino fame had George Schuster examine the car to determine if it was actually the car from the great race of 1908. George was dubious as to it being the car until upon disassembly he noticed the repair of the frame he had done in Russia and some holes drilled in the flywheel. The car hs some serious provenance.

[@gojumpintothelake]

There is nothing likeThis guy online tv or media making history fun. I could not pay attention to history in school. This I learn it’s like he is talking just to you

[@Hullj]

And the best part is that he leaves hooks for additional history. Watch him long enough and you will get the history of people. Not battles, treaties, or dead body count

[@kennyhagan5781]

This is a story that I was lucky enough to hear about from my grandfather.

[@andyrichardsvideovlogs8835]

A great video. Of course, this was the inspiration for the brilliant 1966 parody film "The Great Race" starring Jack Lemon which was a follow-on from the previous year's British parody "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines". Both are true cinematic gems and have stood the test of time extremely well.

[@danielmata3083]

My sentiments exactly - those were great film-making days!

[@jop366]

That movie is how i found this video

[@jameshorn270]

Actually, there was another race, to Monaco from 5 starting points around Europe converging on Switzerlaand for the final dash to Monte Carlo. Tony Curtis was in that one with TerryThomas as the dastardly son of the villain in Those Magnificent Men. Peter Cook and Dudley Moore were British Officers of great ingenuity and poor luck.

[@RogersRamblings]

@@jameshorn270 That was "Monte Carlo Or Bust". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monte_Carlo_or_Bust!

[@BarryH1701]

That is one of my favorite movies of all time...."Push the button, Max!"

[@tonymiller8826]

We had a presentation at our car club meeting this evening from the great grandson of George Schuster about the race. I drove my Model T Ford to the meeting.

[@roberthaworth9097]

1. Shuster was ordered to join the US team as its mechanic with about 1 days' notice. He basically returned to his apartment, shaved, packed a small bag, and was off the next morning. 2. The head of the Italian team was a young aristocrat. With his reputation (and Italy's) on the line, he insisted on driving most of the way across the American West. He drove so long that he suffered hallucinations, and at one point had to be physically restrained from slashing his own throat with a razor. 3. The head of the German team was an ambitious Prussian army lieutenant. He was such a prick to his original crew that they deserted him in Omaha, taking the next train East. He managed to recruit two replacements among some Americans he found idling around a blacksmith's shop, by promising them fame and a big monetary reward -- and by deliberately understating the real distance between Omaha and Paris -- and thus the time the men would be gone from home -- by more than half. By the time they discovered they'd been had, they had little alternative but to continue to Paris. 4. In the more isolated parts of the country, the US team was beset by souvenir hunters and by aggressively curious crowds, most of whom had never seen an automobile before. Hand tools, lights, and personal effects went missing at several stops. One group actually plotted to steal the Flyer and disassemble it, just to see how it worked. When the team telegraphed New York asking for advice on how to deal with the situation, the Thomas Co. shipped a box ahead of them to their next gasoline stop. It contained a folding carbine, two pistols, and ammunition.

[@rivertrash9862]

"UP, MAX! UP! UP YOU IDIOT! UP!!" The Great Race was my favorite movie growing up.

[@daniellloyd2293]

Push the button Max

[@raydunakin]

I love that movie too! IMHO it was Jack Lemon's best role.

[@lelandframe1029]

"I'd like to see The Great Leslie try THAT one!" 🎩

[@traxiii]

@@raydunakin Wasn't it two of his best roles? :) And the pie fight was awesome!

[@spikespa5208]

"Hey, Professor!!"

[@marbleman52]

I do not know which was more incredible: the fact that even with constant repairs ,that any of the cars made it all the way, or...and this is what amazes me even more...the perseverance and endurance of the men through all kinds of weather and long, long, and probably seemingly endless and hopeless days & nights in the middle of 'no-where'...to survive the trip. Amazing..!!

[@camerrill]

Go America!

[@K-Effect]

I don't even understand why cars can even make it 10 feet today. I know how they work and what they do but they should just instantly wear out and explode seconds after you start them up....especially tires! Oil is an amazing thing

[@richardgalli7262]

I agree, Sir!

[@namewarvergeben]

"If you thought that there is mostly water between New York and Paris, you're going the wrong direction!" Brilliant! I got a good laugh out of it at myself :D

[@Music-lx1tf]

What an adventure that would have been. In 1973 my wife and I drove and camped our way across America and that was an adventure of a lifetime. But nothing to compare with the Great Race.

[@chrishubley7849]

I love this story. This race needs to be made into a movie. In an Smithsonian article about the race, it was stated that the original plan was to drive across the"frozen" Bering Straight. Unfortunately, that only happens during an ice age. Also, the story of the American team's mechanic is particularly interesting. Halfway through the race, the team's driver, Monty Roberts, left to go race in the Grand Prix. George Schuster took over as driver and continued on to Alaska, back to Seattle, crossed the Pacific, drove across Siberia, and arrived in Paris. Roberts, the famous race car driver, was supposed to meet the team when they reached Europe for the final stretch. However, after months of trudging through the some of the toughest terrain in the world, it was decided that George Schuster should drive the Thomas Flyer across the finish line.

[@lelandframe1029]

I didn't know that there was an ACTUAL "Great Race"! 😲 I've been a fan of the Tony Curtis-Jack Lemon-Natalie Wood movie since l was a kid in the sixties!

[@robertthompson2237]

in 1967 I was visiting in Springville, NY when someone told me about the 1908 ny-paris race and that George Shuster lived there. you could go visit his home and he could talk about the race. by that time he had made a recording and that was played for visiters. we didn't meet him, but his home had photos from that period. I remember meeting

[@howardjohnson2138]

At one time, The Thomas Flyer was owned and on display at the Harrah's Car Collection in Sparks, Nevada. The Curator was always angry that the movie The Great Race had been made as a comedy. He said the story was SO good on it's own that making it into a comedy was a travesty. I believe you've proved that. Thanks

[@angelhelp777]

As I watch dozens and dozens of your videos I realized that you remind me a lot of my 10th grade science teacher, Ms. Nelson. She was the great, great, great, great, grand daughter of the Thomas Nelson Jr., who signed the Declaration of Independence. Ms. Nelson was only about 5 feet tall, always wore a knitted shawl, had short black hair, was stooped over a bit and big black framed glasses...but she had a way of keeping your attention in class, not because of threat of punishment as some teachers did, but because she was just enjoyable to listen to. Class might start out on one subject, but there was always time to talk about a completely different subject, especially of a student asked a question. We once had a girl in class who was a flirt and she was always trying to get the guys attention. Ms. Nelson noticed and suddenly the subject was about hormones of girls and boys and how they physically affect them. I am not saying that you are a 5 foot tall little old lady, but I can tell that you genuinely love sharing your knowledge with others and care about those in your classes, and they loved you for it. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge with us, your online class. God bless. James from Houston, Texas

[@mikeslaven8023]

A front suspension upgrade was given to the Flyer when it reached Buffalo, the original front axle was removed and a straight beam fitted from the 1908(?) Flyer model installed. This gave a distinct advantage as the removed OEM axle dug into the terrain at times. Quite the stink was raised at the time but was allowed anyway.

[@christian-michaelhansen471]

The History Guy has once again taught me something new. And that is history deserves to be remembered.

[@jockellis]

During my college years I worked for the construction company that built the first four lane road in Georgia. The name? Still named Four Lane Road 70 years later.

[@d.e.b.b5788]

I stayed home to watch your videos tonight instead of going to the movies. It was a wise decision. You're doing a great job, and doing such a valuable public service too. On behalf of the world: Thank you.

[@johnnie2638]

I had no idea there was a real N.Y to Paris race! Since I was a kid in the 60s I've loved the movie, The Great Race starring Jack Lemon, Tony Curtis & Natalie Wood about just such a race. Great video, History Guy. Keep 'em coming!

[@dalebelseth3058]

In 6th grade (1971) I bought Guniess Book of World Records. I only cared about the Thomas Flyer entry, being a gear head since ever. Fond memories. Thanks

[@Backroad_Junkie]

The greatest road trip ever was completed by Horatio Nelson Jackson, his mechanic Sewell Crocker, and his dog, "Bud" in 1903. I doubt this race would have happened if not for his cross-country trek. Now, that's some history that deserves to be remembered...

[@garryrainey6300]

PS: I worked for them, it’s a great story on how Briggs&Stratton became the worlds largest maker of air cooled engines. Love your show! Garry

[@Artorius19631]

Knowing the actual history makes the Tony Curtis movie about it more fun to watch.

[@thunderchief_6935]

One of my all time favorite movies " The Great Race" ....if you haven't seen it, find it! You won't regret it.

[@jennywowk-jcdmah2144]

Most challenging feat of my life, a journey of a lifetime. I can't believe I did this. Thank you for this fabulous history ~ The great historic rally. The Peking to Paris Endurance Rally :) GREAT VIDEO!

[@elsiestormont1366]

VERY entertaining! I am impressed with the team who made it up to Alaska. Wow! I live 10 miles outside of Fairbanks, AK and even in this day and age of good roads and snow plows, driving in arctic conditions can still be harrowing!

[@Cheeseatingjunlista]

Perfectly researched and crafted, a jewel of a programme presented on a velvet cushion of scholarship. Thank you for these, I eagerly await each new offering and re-watch many of the older videos. Always concisely , elegantly explained. Always Brilliant.

[@douglashall2141]

I'm curious to know who bought the patent of the Thomas car? And I wouldn't be surprised at all if it was Henry Ford. Although I have been wrong before😊 thank you sir, I have another interesting and entertaining radio. I knew about this race, but I didn't know that much about it.❤ history

[@anti-Russia-sigma]

What a great show! The difference between the 1st & last finishers=48 days! Those were the days.

[@josephlacerra8433]

I have been a history enthusiast all my life (no degree). I find your channel extremely fulfilling. I respectfully request more ancient history videos. There are so many interesting subjects in the ancient world, for example Rameses II at the Battle of Kadesh, building the Pyramids, the taking of Troy, the burning of Rome, etc. Not that I don't appreciate your efforts in more recent history. Keep up the great work!

[@alcoholic2412]

Wow thanks history guy! Until now I thought the Great Race was an old Tony Curtis movie

[@racerj2.03]

Probably my most favorite movie of all times is the Tony Curtis movie "The Great Race". It cemented my love of the automobile!

[@vincentxgolden6624]

I hae always liked the 1908 ny-paris race nice to find the history did you know about the vladivostok incident?

[@tripleb7351]

Thanks so much for putting these epic real stories from history on here! The tales of ingenuity and determination with a large dose of imagination are awe inspiring to me. The enthusiastic and well spoken way you tell the history really makes it come alive!

[@Hullj]

I usually have a wide smile after your bits. As I did today. Thanks.

[@dwight7651]

that was cool.. thank you…. and the mention of the museum in Reno…. nice bonus

[@flyingcaddy8620]

I just found this channel and love. Perfect length with facts. I could watch these all night.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

There are about eighteen hours of content on the channel so far, so it could last a couple of nights. :)

[@jimmyyu2184]

I can say, I have been to the Reno museum and saw the car meself!! And she is a beaut, absolute splendor. Now, "Push the button Max!!!" "Yes, Professor!!"

[@camilleszalma4556]

I own the rights to a copy of the eponomous Tony Curtis Natalie Wood movie but know very little about the real race. (There is a scene in the movie where Jack Lemmon and Peter Faulk ride a small airship just as if it were a bicycle, and I've long wondered if such a vehicle has ever existed or could be built.) I had read that the movie took little more than the setting from history; so at least I knew that I'd learned little about history from the movie. So those 5 minutes of history were extremely interesting to me. I really appreciate you sharing.

[@trappy77]

I truly appreciate your style of speaking fast throwing as much pertinent information as possible and keeping a brief video. I feel like I learn a lot from you history guy.

[@50zcarsman]

3. The Flyer was an object of intense interest to many Western men and boys, most of whom had never seen an auto before. Everywhere the car stopped, it had to be guarded against pilferage of various pieces or of the crew's luggage and gear, "as souvenirs". Rumors went about int he press that a gang planned to steal the car itself out of pure curiosity, to disassemble it and find out what made it tick. The Thomas team wired HQ in New York about this situation, and asked for advice. Their bosses' answer came a few days later at a fuel stop, where they took delivery of a big, flat wooden box. Inside were an assemble-yourself carbine, two revolvers, and ammunition for all three!

[@thelastcowboysong4829]

The Great Race...Great Movie...Tony Curtis, Jack Lemon...

[@TheGreatDearLeaderJimPickens]

"MAX YOU IDIOT UP!!!"

[@itsalgud1459]

It’s great to hear the real story after watching the hilarious movie many times. Certainly one of your best, history guy, and that’s saying something!👍

[@Robert_Keel]

I've been in Reno and I've seen the car. That was quite a trip.

[@nevik9199]

i 1st read about this in Uncle John's Bathroom Reader. i forget which edition it was. they are all great! highly recommend them.

[@araeagle3829]

Absolutely fascinating! Thanks for the video. I am particularly pleased to see your subscribers going up. You are most deserving of far more subscribers. Here's to hitting 10,000 subs!

[@timmmahhhh]

Thanks for the short. I went and watched your full video. I see one reason that you've gone beyond the 10-minute format in that you can go into much more detail. I was hoping to hear about the logistics such as getting gasoline and supplies to these cars while they were in in remote places such as Siberia. As the internet saying goes, I'll do my own research. But thanks for what you were able to get in those 8.5 minutes!

[@dewiz9596]

Good to know that we will never run out of history snippets to watch

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

The lost is long, long enough that it appears that it will outlive me.

[@ushillbillies]

GOOD STUFF.. I read about the Thomas flyer in my youth , in1974 i built a model of it..

[@michaelwiebers9656]

How nice to have a lighthearted snippet of history!

[@K-Effect]

A race from Paris to New York.....If I didn't have to pay the bill, that would be one heck of an adventure that you would never forget, I would sign up right now!

[@YeOldeTraveller]

My wife and i drove to Alaska in Winter. Weather was the biggest issue on that trip. I cannot imagine what that would have been like without roads.

[@blackhawkswincup2010]

Your pronunciation of foreign names and places is getting better; and the history is terrific as always. Thanks!

[@MichaelGreen-vn7dr]

Great story, Know it well. The cars were to DRIVE across the Iced over Bering straights! I went to lunch in this Thomas Flyer in 1969 with my Dad & Jim Edwards (Mgr of HARRAHS Car Collection, Sparks, NV) and we had lunch with Bill Harrah in Reno!

[@Over-Boy42]

Excellent work History guy! I now plan to go through your entire video Library!

[@frankschuler2867]

And now we know the REST of the story. Great one! You are a national treasure, my friend!

[@RWBHere]

Thank-you, History Guy and Gal. There is a gallop, written by E. T. Paul, if memory serves me correctly, which was published in about 1909, called 'New York to Paris'. Thank-you for unwrapping the mystery behind that once popular tune.

[@CromemcoZ2]

Always loved that movie, but had no idea the race had been a real event. Thanks!

[@mikemotteberg3527]

Did not know this until today, I am 56 now.

[@colinp2238]

With the 15 days plus and the 15 days minus I thought you was going to say that the Thomas Flyer finished the race 30 days before it started.

[@dalehall2067]

This guy was extremely informative and presented it very well

[@ghrey8282]

My grandparents had a T... Fascinating story. One I had not heard. Thank you.

[@donaldgrant9067]

The Great Race with Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Peter Faulk. Great movie.

[@PatChapp]

You are completely right,this is the channel for me

[@rickbrandt9559]

This is the the kind of history I like.

[@TheFrankHuda]

Rick Brandt bud light too?

[@guyfroml]

I agree with Lance that it is important to remember such history, because who we are is based on who we were.

[@zr1sparky1]

And I'm still smiling my face was stuck with a perma-smile for just under eight and a half minutes. That George Schuster's one cool dude!

[@v.e.7236]

Another gem! Been an car nut since I was able to pass my father wrenches and retrieve dropped nuts, bolts and wrenches/sockets. I remember doing a high school report on this race, but certainly nowhere near as colorfully.

[@robertthompson2237]

For movie buffs, the 1965 comedy film "the great race" starring tony Curtis, Natalie wood, jack lemon and peter Falk was loosely based on the NY Paris race.

[@josephmatthewclift1985]

Great video, Sir! I had no idea that the race was a real event - only fiction as depicted in the movie.

[@danielmata3083]

I am truly enjoying your channel. Thank you.

[@davidpeters6536]

A great movie too with Jack Lemon, Tony Curtis and Natalie Wood.

[@deetrvl4life875]

Thank you! I bet someone has written a detailed book about this (hopefully) like a journal type thing. Imagine the day by day entries!

[@andyharman3022]

I read a book about the Great Race when I was in elementary school.

[@nikstone2420]

As Always Very well done. Thank you.

[@McRocket]

Staggering. Again (for this channel)...I had no knowledge of this event. Thanks very much for this video.

[@charleyfoster7118]

And not one word about "The Great Race" with Tony Curtis, Natalie Wood, Jack Lemon and Peter Falk. Or that Tony's car was almost an exact replica of the Thomas Flyer, which company was featured in the film.

[@davidnorman4149]

Excellent as usual H.G.

[@tikitavi7120]

Original Thomas Flyer is on display in Reno Nevada at the Harrah Auto Museum.

[@jules9266]

just stumbled across your channel cause I was looking for more videos about this race and subscribed after 2 minutes of this video, so glad I found a good history channel

[@wrob4435]

I once read an account of the beginning of the race, (in whatever town they were passing through at the time) a local man among many who were helping push through the mud, lost 18 lbs that day!

[@SuperFredAZ]

Small point, original Kettering ignition was not electronic, but electric. Electronic implies semiconductors or vaccuum tubes. I love your channel.

[@Paladin1873]

I thought Professor Fate won that race. :)

[@robsushak4814]

Only because Leslie preferred to win the girl.

[@orangelion03]

Press the button Max!

[@williambishop8680]

Push the button Max. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXyYaIR5jqtni8k

[@orangelion03]

Thanks!!

[@Pynaegan]

"GET AWAY FROM THE ROCKET!"

[@PeterT1981]

Brilliant!!! I’m watching all of these! Please keep up the great work.

[@rickhigson3881]

Your show is wonderful!

[@WhiteStone21475]

Loved this video. Thanks.

[@stormcrow8834]

history guy. excellent work, as always. thanks.

[@jameshorn270]

A long time ago, almost half way between now and 1907, I got a book out of the library about the 1907 race, On top of everything else, one of the cars was a three wheeler. They used the trails made by camel caravans, etc, across the Asian deserts and it was a very rough ride. One issue among many was that tire technology was not that advanced at the same time and they ran through a lot of them.

[@glenn_r_frank_author]

Cool to hear about the real race. the 1965 comedy entitled The Great Race (it is kinda, although not really) based on the real race is a classic. Very funny stuff.

[@nopenope7769]

Fantastic as always

[@harrycallahan8573]

I read that the headlight situation on the Thomas Flyer in Paris was that one of them had gotten broken during the trip and they were required to have two working headlights. They took the bicycle with the light and put it on the hood therefore making two headlights.

[@1957kwick]

I love the movie THE GREAT RACE . Starring Tony Curtis. Natalie Wood. Peter Falk .Jack Lemmon.

[@bobg1685]

Another well-done episode. Kudos.

[@maple-leafs13]

Always something to learn on this channel. Thanks!

[@Gunner40Five]

Love your channel. Keep up the good work.

[@andrewvanveen1804]

Once again an excellent episode. I am now trying to find out more about the 2011 race. BZ

[@alexanderspenser4960]

First timer, love it! You seem to do automotive, which is excellent. So I have a suggestion; when, who, where were the first modern day computers applied to automotive innovation?

[@robertbilling6266]

This was very interesting, thank you. Curiously there was a challenge put out some years ago to drive a car on its own wheels from London to New York. There was a very short window when this was possible, and the team almost made it. The trick was that it was during the period when the channel tunnel was almost complete but not yet open. With permission it was possible to drive from London to Ashford, through the service tunnel into France, through Russia, across the Bering Straight on the ice, and through Canada and the USA to NY. The only point of failure was that the cars arrived too late in Sibera and the ice was beginning to melt, so the water crossing had to be done by loading the cars onto a Russian "Arktos" transporter. Now the tunnel is open for traffic I don't think it would be possible to get permission to try again.

[@bigsteve6200]

Press the button Max !

[@lelandframe1029]

"Well, there's ANOTHER one Leslie can try on for size!"

[@browngreen933]

The E.R. Thomas Company also produced one of the very first American motorcycles -- the 1901 Thomas Auto-bi.