Car, Coaster
Object number2011.78.2
Made by
Jessie Clarke
Made by
Gerard J. Clarke
Date1979-1982
MediumWood/Paint/Rubber/Metal
Credit LineGift of Clarke Family
DescriptionSoap box derby coaster car with red body, oval shape, and tapered front. Body made of wood panels, unpainted on inside cockpit while exterior is painted red with three pinstripes on both sides. Pinstripes are black, blue, and medium gray and decrease in width toward base. There are numerous decals on the body. Wheel axles are made of metal, with front axle being braced to body. Wheel hubs are made of metal and painted red. Tires are rubber. U-shaped carved foam collar attached to rear lip of cockpit. Steering mechanism is contained in cockpit and is comprised of metal cables running to the axles and a braking mechanism comprised of a dowel road and rubber tubing used to lower a rubber covered plank in the base of the cockpit.Dimensions18.375 x 32 x 12.75 x 80 x 53 in. (46.7 x 81.3 x 32.4 x 203.2 x 134.6 cm)InscriptionsThere are numerous decals on the body.
"U.S.A" flag decal in shield shape on back end.
"Champion" red, black and white decal on back end.
"Mr. Gasket Co., The Performance People" decal on both sides at rear.
"Whitehead Hardware" hand painted decals on both sides at rear that covers previously painted sponsor names, "Chujko Bros." and "U.S. Rent-Alls".
"Cam 2 Motor oil" red and black decals on both sides of cockpit.
"Edelbrock Manifolds" red and black decals on both sides of cockpit.
"Reed Cams" black, gold and white decals on both sides of cockpit.
"Hays" red blue and white decals on both sides.
"Special Thanks to, Dad" painted on top of cockpit front, in white paint outlined in black.
"23" in black decals on both sides of front.
Tires are rubber and read "Official Soap Box Derby Tire".
Historical NotesJunior Division car from the Soap Box Derby. This car was handmade by father Gerard Clarke and daughter Jessie Clarke and used by Jessie. This car is a wooden model which represents the earlier style of derby cars. Part of the Soap Box Derby collection of the Clarke family. Gerard Clarke's two children both participated in the soap box derby in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His daughter, Jessie, started in 1979 at the age of eleven and participated for four years. She went to the Akron Championship representing Western Pennsylvania in the Senior Division in 1982. Girls were not allowed to participate in the derby until 1971. His son Jerry also participated, although not to the degree of Jessie, he also went to Akron in the Junior Division. Locally, the Clarke children would race down Cumberland Road in McCandless.
Previous owner
Gerard J. Clarke
Related person
Jerry Clarke
Previous owner
Jessie Clarke
Related institution
Whitehead Hardware
Related institution
Chujko Brothers
Related institution
Mr. Gasket Company
On View
Not on view
c. 1960
c. 1982
c. 2005
2006
