Curtiss R2C-1 Pulitzer Trophy Racer and Mechanic (Circa 1923)

A sleek black Curtiss R2C-1 racing biplane with streamlined I-struts and Curtiss-Reed metal propeller parked outside an airfield hangar beside a mechanic. — Curtiss R2C-1 Pulitzer Trophy Racer and Mechanic (Circa 1923) · Donald A. Hall Estate Collection

Preserved in the Donald A. Hall Estate Collection from his early career at Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company, this photograph captures the historic Curtiss R2C-1 racing biplane outside an airfield hangar. Powered by a 500-horsepower Curtiss D-12A engine and featuring streamlined single I-struts, wing-skin surface radiators, and a metal Curtiss-Reed propeller, the R2C-1 won the 1923 Pulitzer Trophy and set a world airspeed record of 266.6 mph.