Barney Oldfield’s Ford

This painting by an unknown artist is a tribute to the pioneer American automobile racing champion and “demigod” Barney Oldfield. Berna Eli Oldfield (1878-1946) was a racing legend and permanent symbol of speed and daring in America. The saying “ Say, who do you think you are, Barney Oldfield?” is still used to this day and his legend lives on. He belonged to the wild and wonderful era of Teddy Roosevelt, the Keystone Cops, five cent beer, derbies, Ragtime bands and Prohibition. Oldfield started as a successful bicycle racer and in 1902 promoted to automobile racing. He was the first man to drive an automobile at 60 miles (96km) per hour on a circular track. The unknown artist shows Oldfield racing a 1902 Ford No. 999 Racer, owned by Oldfield himself. This could very well be the moment, on the 20th of June 1903 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, that Oldfield achieved the first ever 60 miles (96km) per hour on a circular track. The onlookers in the distance and the “eat my dust” depiction along with his goggles all seem to suggest that he is driving at a considerable speed. History in the making!