Motorists in 1905 Thomas, 1906 Pope-Toledo, and 1906 Ford Six Model K automobiles

View of motorists in a 1905 Thomas 6-cylinder racer, a 1906 Pope-Toledo car and driver Frank Dunnell with passenger Gaston Plaintiff in a 1906 Ford Six Model K racer. Wooden-frame buildings and fence in background. Banner displayed on car on right reads: "6 cylinder on final lap, Great Relay Race, New York-Chicago." These cars covered the final relay of the automobile run from Chicago to New York, the courier bearing the military message from General Carter to General Frederick Dent Grant. The courier, J.S. Basta, was driven by Gaston Plaintiff in the Ford car to New York. The final relay was sixty-seven miles long and the distance was covered in 2 hours and 20 minutes. Plaintiff, after crossing the ferry, took the courier to Governors Island, where the message was delivered. Stamped on back: "F. Ed. Spooner, and Chas. S. Wells. Motor News, Motor Photos, Motor Adv, 1536 B'way, New York. Tel 6536-38th St." Handwritten on back: "Pope-Toledo, 1906. At Battery."