Name/Title
HydroplaneEntry/Object ID
2021.2.01Description
1938 Ventnor Hydroplane named "Tempo V"
Guy Lombardo was a famous big band leader who, from 1929 to 1976, helped ring in the New Year for millions of people all over the world with his band's live performances. The Royal Canadians, made up of Lombardo and his three brothers, sold over 300 million records and had the opportunity to play at several presidential inaugural balls, including Franklin Roosevelt's and Jimmy Carter's.
He was also a hydroplane speedboat enthusiast and award-winning racer. He was the reigning US national champion from 1946 to 1949, and had won every trophy in the field by the time he retired, including the Gold Cup and the President's Cup. Before WWII, Lombardo competed in the 225 cubic inch class, with Tempo V and other hydroplanes designed by acclaimed Ventnor Boat Works.
Tempo V, a 225-class hydroplane, was originally built in the legendary Ventnor Boat Works by Arno Apel's craftsmen in 1938. Lombardo purchased this boat from one of the best racing drivers, Joe Taggart, in 1940. With this new boat, Lombardo won his first race. The race was a marathon from Atlantic City to Cape May, New Jersey. During World War II, all forms of motor racing were terminated for the duration of the hostilities. After the war ended, Lombardo resumed racing Tempo V.
Tempo V was restored by Mario Scopinich, a Long Island craftsman, after he found her covered with weeds and almost forgotten on Shelter Island, New York. When Scopinich found her she was so deteriorated that it was impossible to lift the hull without the wood beginning to crumble. It took Scopinich 2500 hours over six years to patiently restore this craft.Collection
BoatsAcquisition
Accession
2021.2Source or Donor
Scopinich, PaulAcquisition Method
DonationMade/Created
Manufacturer
Ventnor Boat WorksDate made
1938Location
Building
*Don Doebler Collections Storage Facility
