This is an original Type 1 Silver Gelatin photograph from 1937 measuring approx 4x5 inches taken at the 1937 Indianapolis 500 Sweepstakes on May 31 1937. This is a very rare real collectors item being released from our historic archives. Silver Screen Archives are gradually releasing Original photographs, negatives, transparencies, Lobby Cards, posters and other memorabilia from it's vast archives.-

The 1937 Indianapolis 500, also known as the 25th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes, was a significant event in the history of American auto racing. Here is a summary of the race:

1. Date and Location:

   • The race took place on May 31, 1937, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana.

2. Winner:

   • Wilbur Shaw, driving the No. 6 Maserati 8CTF, emerged as the winner of the 1937 Indy 500.

3. Shaw's Victory:

   • Wilbur Shaw's victory was notable because it marked his second consecutive win at the Indianapolis 500. He had previously won the race in 1936.
   • Shaw's Maserati 8CTF was the first foreign-built car to win the Indy 500 since 1919, breaking the dominance of American-built cars.

4. Race Distance and Format:

   • The race consisted of 200 laps around the 2.5-mile oval track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, making it a 500-mile (805-kilometer) endurance race.

5. Competition:

   • The race featured a competitive field of drivers and cars, with several notable participants, including Louis Meyer, Mauri Rose, and Rex Mays.

6. Weather Conditions:

   • The weather on race day was hot and dry, which added an extra challenge for the drivers, as high temperatures could lead to engine overheating and tire wear.

7. Lap Records:

   • Wilbur Shaw set a new lap record during the race, averaging over 114 miles per hour (183.47 kilometers per hour) over the 500-mile distance.

8. Maserati 8CTF:

   • Shaw's winning car, the Maserati 8CTF, was powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter inline-8 engine.
   • Its victory showcased the competitiveness of foreign-built cars, particularly those from Europe, in American racing.

9. Prize Money:

   • Wilbur Shaw earned a prize of $17,425 for his victory in the 1937 Indianapolis 500.

10. Legacy:

    • The 1937 race is remembered for the historic win by Wilbur Shaw in the Maserati, which marked a shift in the dominance of American racing cars.
    • Shaw's back-to-back victories at the Indy 500 solidified his status as one of the legendary figures in the history of the event.

The 1937 Indianapolis 500 was a pivotal race in the sport, highlighting the growing influence of foreign cars and drivers in American auto racing, and it remains an iconic moment in the history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.