Henry Ford, the pioneering industrialist who revolutionized transportation and founded the Ford Motor Company, left a legacy that transformed the world. But while his name is immortalized in the annals of history, one of his most significant artifacts—the trophy for his first race victory in 1901—remains shrouded in mystery. More than a century later, NASCAR star and RFK Racing co-owner Brad Keselowski has reignited interest in this lost relic, with some surprising revelations.
Henry Ford’s Transformative Victory
In 1901, a determined young Henry Ford entered the world of racing with a goal to prove. Driving his self-built car, SweepstakesFord achieved victory in a historic race that would serve as a springboard for his automotive empire. The victory not only cemented his reputation as an innovator, but also attracted the investors needed to establish Ford Motor Company.
However, the trophy Ford received for his victory—a stunning crystal bowl set—disappeared into obscurity. Its whereabouts have remained a mystery for more than a century, tantalizing historians and collectors alike.
A rare photo emerges
The intrigue deepened recently when retired marketing executive Kevin Kennedy shared what is believed to be the only known photograph of the elusive trophy on X (formerly Twitter). The image shows an elegant and exquisitely designed crystal bowl, rumored to have been photographed by Henry Ford himself.
Brad Keselowski, who has a penchant for motorsports history, reposted the image and dropped a bombshell about the trophy’s potential value.
“Unbelievable, I have never seen a photo of the infamous @Ford bowl assembly,” Keselowski wrote. “I’m thinking this trophy is worth at least $10M, maybe up to $100M for the right collector. Its location is a mystery lost in time.”
Why the trophy is important
The bowl assembly isn’t just a piece of Ford memorabilia—it’s a symbol of a pivotal moment in automotive history. Ford’s racing triumph in 1901 demonstrated the viability of his engineering vision and paved the way for the creation of the company that would change transportation forever. Owning this artifact would be like owning the Mona Lisa of motorsport relics.
Keselowski elaborated on the importance of the trophy during a recent podcast appearance Dale Jr. Download. He explained how the victory cemented Ford’s reputation as a bold innovator, bridging the gap between racing and the burgeoning automotive industry.
What makes it worth up to $100M?
Keselowski’s valuation of the prize bowl as a $10M to $100M artifact reflects its historical and cultural importance. For collectors and historians, the combination of rarity, connection to Henry Ford and its role in the dawn of the modern automobile elevates the trophy to almost incalculable status. If found, it would likely become one of the most valuable automotive artifacts in existence.
Darren Rovell, a renowned sports business analyst and collector, has also expressed interest in the trophy’s history, fueling speculation about its possible value.
A mystery lost in time
The whereabouts of the trophy remain unknown, with no concrete clues as to its current location. Some believe it may still be in the possession of Ford’s descendants or hidden in a private collection, while others think it was lost or destroyed over the decades. The photo shared by Kennedy, supposedly from Ford’s collection, offers a tantalizing glimpse at what could still be out there.
The missing trophy adds an almost mythical quality to Ford’s story. The idea of a $100 million artifact tied to the origins of one of the most iconic brands in history captures the imagination of fans, collectors and historians alike. Its absence only amplifies its appeal, cementing its place as one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in motorsport history.
For Brad Keselowski, the discovery of the punch fountain would represent more than just a historical find—it would be a bridge between the past and present of a sport that owes much of its existence to the pioneering spirit of Henry Ford.
