Name/Title
Raceboat, Gold CupEntry/Object ID
1991.022.003Description
Miss Detroit VII was built in 1924 for Gar Wood who originally named the boat, Teddy. The boat was one of a pair of race boats named Teddy and Bruin that were similar in design. Wood named the boats for each of the two Teddy Bear mascots that he always carried aboard his race boats for good luck.
Racing as Teddy in the 1923 Sweepstakes race with Gar Wood's brother George at helm she won the $10,000 first prize. However the victory was marred by controversy because one of the engine hatches blew off during the 43rd lap of the race. The rule required that the engines on the boats had to be covered with hatches. On the 49th lap, Teddy's hatches were replaced with the missing hatches from Teddy's twin sister, Bruin, no longer in the race. When Teddy was declared the winner a major controversy ensued. Although the results of the race didn't change, the name of the boat did. Teddy quietly became Miss Detroit VII shortly afterwards.
Miss Detroit VII won Detroit's 1924 Sweepstakes Race in an event that W.G.Sheehan, writing for Yachting magazine, called the most sensational race ever staged at Detroit. The three-mile course on the Detroit River required 50 laps at high speed. It was a grueling race and considered by many as the ultimate test for drivers, boats and engines. A field of fourteen boats started the race including such notables as Edsel Ford in Woodfish, Caleb Bragg in Baby Bootlegger, Horace Dodge's Baby Horace and Charles Chapman in Miss Columbia. Gar Wood in Miss Detroit VII jumped out to an early lead and was continually threatened by Gordon Hammersley in Cigarette, Jr. However, Miss Detroit VII proved to be fast and reliable winning this great event without ever being headed.
Miss Detroit VII (alias Teddy) will always be remembered as one of the most interesting race boats in Gar Wood's fleet.Collection
BoatsAcquisition
Accession
1991.022Source or Donor
Morgan, WilliamMade/Created
Manufacturer
Gar Wood Boat DivisionDate made
1924Notes
Early Date: 1924
Propulsion: inboard gasoline
Engine: Liberty
Cylinders: 12
HP: 500Location
Building
*William J. Morgan Building
