The 1911 T36 Auto Drivers set, issued by the American Tobacco Company, is probably the most significant early auto racing card set produced. The set features 25 different drivers, but with four variations of each card — Hassan (Factory 30), Hassan (Factory 649), Mecca (Factory 30), and Mecca (Factory 649) — the complete master set totals 100 cards. The front of each card displays a vibrant, beautifully illustrated portrait of the driver, while the backs are identical in design and wording, differing only in the brand name and factory number printed at the bottom. The unnumbered cards measure roughly 45mm x 65mm and were inserted inside Hassan and Mecca cigarettes, with one card typically placed in each pack of ten cigarettes.
This landmark set highlights many of the greatest names from the pioneer era of automobile racing, including Barney Oldfield, Ralph DePalma, Louis Chevrolet, Bob Burman, and David Bruce-Brown. Interestingly, the set contains two known spelling errors on the card backs: Victor Demogeot is misspelled as “Demoget,” and Herbert Lytle is printed as “Lyttle.” Released in 1911, it is widely regarded as the first major card set dedicated exclusively to auto racing drivers.
Due to its age and the large number of variations, assembling a complete master set is a significant challenge. The 1911 T36 Auto Drivers remains a cornerstone collection for serious pre-war racing and tobacco card enthusiasts, offering a colorful window into the daring early days of motorsport.
Bob Burman
Auto Drivers (T36)
Demoget
Joe Seymour
R. Mulford
