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Auto Polo: The Most Steampunk Sport That Isn't Steampunk

Jan 20, 2013 07:02 PM

Historic photograph of a vintage car race with participants using mallets to hit a ball.

In the early 20th century, some people decided that it would be a great idea to play polo with cars. Sounds like a great idea, right?

Historic black and white photo of vintage cars with passengers interacting outdoors.

Image Credit wonderhowto.com

It was, and it wasn't.

Thousands flocked to see auto polo games from the 1910s to the 1920s, but it was ridiculously dangerous. As you may note, this was after the Edwardian era, which is the time we generally end Steampunk and begin Dieselpunk. However, these cars were so stripped-down that they nearly look late-Victorian.

Historic image of two drivers in an early 20th-century auto polo vehicle.

Image Credit wonderhowto.com

As many of you may know, the internal combustion engine was actually developed and used in prototype automobiles during the Victorian era, so I feel like this game owes a significant debt to that time.

Gaze at the collection of pictures below in awe and wonderment. Be amazed at the people who were willing to risk life and limb to entertain onlookers and make some money!

Two men sitting in an old-fashioned, early 20th-century car at a fairground, with a sign for "Water" in the background.

Image Credit wonderhowto.com

Historic black and white image of a vintage car racing on dirt, surrounded by tents and smoke.

Historical photo of a crowd watching a racing event on a dirt track.

Image Credit wonderhowto.com

Looks harmless enough, right? Good, clean fun!

Well, it wasn't all fun and games, as the below pictures will demonstrate!

Historical car race featuring early automobiles and a crowd in the background.

Historic wrestling match with competitors on a grassy field.

Two vintage automobiles on a field, one with a person attempting a stunt on it.

Vintage car racing accident with overturned vehicles on a field.

Vintage black and white photograph of an early automobile accident during a stunt performance, showing a car overturning and performers in action.

Historical black and white photo of three individuals engaged in a playful competition with modified carts.

So while auto polo may be a little too late to properly be Steampunk, I still think it's pretty much the most Steampunk game I've ever seen.

I would really, really love to see an auto polo group costume at a convention. Make it happen!

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