Henry Ford, the pioneering industrialist who revolutionized transportation and founded Ford Motor Company, left behind a legacy that reshaped the world. But while his name is immortalized in the annals of history, one of his most significant artifacts—the trophy from his first racing victory in 1901—remains shrouded in mystery. Over a century later, NASCAR star and RFK Racing co-owner Brad Keselowski has reignited interest in this lost relic, with some jaw-dropping revelations.
Henry Ford’s game-changing victory
In 1901, a young and determined Henry Ford entered the world of racing with a point to prove. Driving his self-built car, Sweepstakes, Ford clinched victory in a historic race that would serve as the launchpad for his automotive empire. The win didn’t just cement his reputation as an innovator but also attracted the investors needed to establish the Ford Motor Company.
However, the trophy Ford received for his victory—a stunning Crystal Punch Bowl Set—vanished into obscurity. Its whereabouts have remained a mystery for over 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 depicts an ornate, exquisitely designed crystal punch 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.
“Awesome, I’ve never seen a photo of the infamous @Ford punchbowl set,” 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 to time.”
Why the trophy matters
The punch bowl set 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 proved the viability of his engineering vision and paved the way for the creation of the company that would forever change transportation. Owning this artifact would be akin to holding the Mona Lisa of motorsport relics.
Keselowski elaborated on the trophy’s significance during a recent appearance on the Dale Jr. Download podcast. He explained how the win solidified Ford’s reputation as a daring innovator, bridging the gap between racing and the burgeoning automotive industry.
What makes it worth up to $100M?
Keselowski’s valuation of the punch bowl as a $10M to $100M artifact reflects its historical and cultural significance. For collectors and historians, the combination of rarity, connection to Henry Ford, and its role in the dawn of modern automobiles elevates the trophy to near-priceless 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 story, adding fuel to the fire of speculation about its potential value.
A mystery lost to time
The whereabouts of the trophy remain unknown, with no concrete leads on its current location. Some believe it may still be in the possession of Ford’s descendants or hidden away in a private collection, while others think it was lost or destroyed over the decades. The photo shared by Kennedy, purportedly from Ford’s own collection, offers a tantalizing glimpse into what may still be out there.
Does the mystery enhance its legacy?
The missing trophy adds an almost mythical quality to Ford’s story. The thought of a $100M 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 allure, cementing its place as one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in motorsport history.
For Brad Keselowski, the discovery of the punch bowl would represent more than just a historical find—it would bridge the past and present of a sport that owes much of its existence to Henry Ford’s pioneering spirit.