The Paris–Rouen race of July 22, 1894, organized by the Parisian magazine Le Petit Journal, is usually considered the first competitive motor race. 120 persons entered the four days of exhibitions and qualifying but only 21 cars entered the race itself and 18 completed it. The winner, Jules-Albert de Dion in his steam-powered car, was dropped to second because it "did not altogether comply with the conditions of the competition." It would not be the last race with questionable results.
Shown here is the August 6 cover of Le Petit Journalshowing car 27, a 3 hp Peugeot driven by Louis Rigoulot. In the background is car 14, a four-passenger Panhard et Levassor driven by Georges Dubois.
Enjoy the images of the races found in the Joseph S. Freeman Archive.
