Asheville, NC, August 11, 2025
News Summary
In June 1926, Asheville residents were captivated by the Royal Pines Mystery Car, a driverless Ford coupe that fueled speculation and wonder. Showcasing wireless control technology, the promotional event for the Royal Pines Casino drew large crowds as the car made several appearances around the city. Despite the mystique surrounding its operation, it was revealed that the vehicle was remotely controlled from a trailing Hudson Brougham. The event concluded with a sense of intrigue and left a lasting legacy about the potential of autonomous vehicles.
Asheville, N.C. – In June 1926, residents of Asheville were astonished by a fascinating display featuring a driverless Ford coupe that captivated audiences as it glided through the streets, aptly named the Royal Pines Mystery Car. This intriguing spectacle, part of a promotional event sponsored by the Royal Pines Casino, attracted widespread attention and sparked lively public speculation.
The mystery began on a warm morning when the seemingly autonomous coupe appeared with Miss Mary Farrell—known as “Asheville’s Sweetheart”—seated inside, her hands resting in her lap and not on the car’s controls. Local newspapers labeled it a stunning mechanical wonder, claiming that the coupe could not only drive itself but also refuel automatically and broadcast radio programs without the need for a driver.
Trailing the Ford was a Hudson Brougham that many initially perceived as a safety vehicle. However, it was later revealed that this car contained the operator who was controlling the coupe remotely via wireless commands. This revelation turned initial thoughts of hidden drivers and clever engineering into a well-orchestrated stunt showcasing the capabilities of modern technology.
The Royal Pines Mystery Car made several appearances throughout Asheville, drawing large crowds, especially during its fuel stops where onlookers watched as it refueled without a visible driver. To further entice the public, a $25 prize was offered to anyone who could uncover the secret behind the car’s operation, a challenge that remained unanswered as the event concluded.
As the event progressed, spectators were left in awe, speculating about hidden machinery and mechanisms. Ultimately, the ability to control the car stemmed from electric motors inside the coupe that responded to the commands sent from the operator in the trailing Hudson.
This innovative concept of driverless operation was not entirely new; it had been previously demonstrated by Francis P. Houdina in New York a year prior. As a developer, William I. Phillips envisioned a thriving community around the Royal Pines Casino, with plans to create a residential area complete with paved roads, parks, and amenities that captured the essence of leisure.
The final appearance of the Royal Pines Mystery Car occurred on June 17, 1926, after which public interest dwindled, and it faded into relative obscurity. In the years following this spectacle, the Royal Pines community faced significant challenges, particularly during the Great Depression, which led to its gradual decline, closure, and changes in ownership.
By 1947, the property was sold and eventually transformed into Jake Rusher Park, a community park enjoyed by residents today. Looking back nearly a century, the Royal Pines Mystery Car serves as a fascinating glimpse into past innovations and a time when people first imagined the possibilities of autonomous vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Royal Pines Mystery Car?
The Royal Pines Mystery Car was a driverless Ford coupe that fascinated audiences in Asheville, NC, during June 1926. It was part of a promotional event for the Royal Pines Casino.
Who operated the Mystery Car?
The car was controlled wirelessly by an operator hidden in a trailing Hudson Brougham, which gave the illusion of an autonomous vehicle.
What was the public’s reaction to the Mystery Car?
The spectacle captivated crowds, who were intrigued by the car’s ability to refuel without a visible driver. Many speculated about hidden mechanics and sought to uncover the mystery.
What happened to the Royal Pines Casino?
The Royal Pines Casino and its community struggled during the Great Depression, leading to closures and changes in ownership, ultimately resulting in the area being transformed into a public park.
Key Features of the Royal Pines Mystery Car
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Ford coupe |
| Promotion | Sponsored by Royal Pines Casino |
| Control Method | Wireless commands from a trailing Hudson Brougham |
| Public Prize | $25 for uncovering the mystery |
| Final Appearance | June 17, 1926 |
| Current Location | Jake Rusher Park |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Strangeville: Royal Pines Mystery Car – Asheville’s 1926
- Wikipedia: History of Automated Vehicles
- Our Friends Became Family: Marquee Returns After Helene
- Google Search: Royal Pines Casino
- Traffic Alert: Crash Shuts Down Lane on I-26 in Asheville Area
- Google Scholar: History of Promotional Events
- Movies in the Park: Finding Nemo This Friday
- Google News: Asheville News
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
