The Great Race from New York to Paris 

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

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.

"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

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

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..!!

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

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!

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

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!

How nice to have a lighthearted snippet of history!

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!

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!!"

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

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!👍

This guy was extremely informative and presented it very well

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

You are completely right,this is the channel for me

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...

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.

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!

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

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.

Press the button Max !

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.

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

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

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!

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

As Always Very well done. Thank you.

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

I am truly enjoying your channel. Thank you.

This is the the kind of history I like.

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.

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.

history guy. excellent work, as always. thanks.

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

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

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

Excellent as usual H.G.

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

The positive folly of man! Fortunately, we still have it.

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.

Loved this video. Thanks.

Your show is wonderful!

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

Fantastic as always

When watching this, I kept thinking about the guys from Top Gear and the troubles they've had crossing much shorter distances in modern cars. At least the Top Gear guys got to drive part of the way on modern paved roads. At the time of the NY to Paris race, paved roads didn't yet exist.

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

Love your channel. Keep up the good work.

Another well-done episode. Kudos.

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!

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

Always something to learn on this channel. Thanks!

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

I thought Professor Fate won that race. :)

Great, as always. Thank you, history guy.

"Push the button, Max"

Thumbs up button? THUMBS UP to all your videos. I LOVE them all.👍

Hey History Guy watching this is just as good as the 1966 movie by the same name.....

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.

Thomas built the best, it's a shame we lost so many beautiful makes over the years. Standardized parts but of the highest quality and with exacting precision.

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

417 ,2 U . Have a great day. History Dude.

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

Great one again...... Thank You.......