1911 Oldsmobile Autocrat
- Engine
- T-head inline-four, approximately 500 cubic inches displacement, modified with exhaust-heat producer-gas fuel system
- Colour
- Yellow with black trim

This 1911 Oldsmobile Autocrat Tourabout, famously known as 'Yellow Peril,' was acquired new by Maryland-born mining engineer and eccentric John Henry Greenway Albert, who stripped its factory coachwork and fitted a custom aluminium boat-tailed body of his own design, along with an experimental exhaust-heat gas-generating system. Raced on the East Coast in the 1910s, it later became the centrepiece of the annual Helldorado parade in Tombstone, Arizona, which Albert himself founded. The car has passed through several distinguished collections, undergone multiple restorations, and accumulated well over 15,000 miles in modern touring use, retaining its original engine, drivetrain, and much of its coachwork.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$605,000
- —Auction saleSold US$698,500
- 1911 → 1968Factory deliveryJohn Henry Greenway Albertpartial documentation
Original purchaser; had the factory bodywork replaced with a custom aluminum boat-tail body of his own design and developed an unconventional exhaust-heat gas-generating fuel system. Used the car both for racing and for annual Helldorado parade duties in Tombstone, Arizona, storing it locally between events.
- 1968 → 1972InheritanceMrs. Albertpartial documentation
Relocated to Tucson after her husband's death and maintained the car there for approximately four years before selling it.
- 1972 →Private saleThomas Hubbardfull documentation
Well-known collector and longtime friend of the Albert family; published a detailed article on the car in Antique Automobile (March–April 1977), a copy of which remains in the vehicle's file. The car was in largely original condition when he acquired it.
- → 1999Private saleBill Lassiterpartial documentation
Florida collector whose holdings were characterised by historian Dennis Adler as focused on powerful, rugged automobiles. The car remained in this collection until 1999.
- 1999 →Private salePhil Bray and Carol Braypartial documentation
Enthusiastic touring owners from Grosse Ile, Michigan, who accumulated over 15,000 miles across North America with the car. Commissioned a fresh restoration completed in 2008, after which the car was shown at Meadow Brook.
- Date unknownPrivate saleCurtis Grafpartial documentation
Texas-based owner who undertook a comprehensive restoration, removing Albert's custom fuel system and replacing the modified engine cover. Subsequently entered the car in endurance rally competition.
- Date unknownPrivate saleCurrent vendorpartial documentation
Acquired from the Bray family some years prior to the sale; continued active touring use and professional maintenance within a notable private collection.
Competition
- 1915Washington Labor Day raceDriver: John Henry Greenway AlbertDNF — engine fire
Car skidded on a wet board surface, went off into roadside vegetation, re-entered the course, and passed numerous competitors before being forced to retire due to an engine fire; account comes from the owner's own recollection.
- 1984Great American RaceGreat American Race
First of three consecutive participations under Curtis Graf's ownership.
- 1985Great American RaceGreat American RaceTop 10 finish
Best recorded result across the three-year run of participation.
- 1986Great American RaceGreat American Race
Final year of participation under Graf's ownership.
- 2001Trans-Continental Tour
Participated under Bray ownership as part of extensive North American touring activity.
- 2002Red Rock Tour
A roughly 3,000-mile tour traversing the Canadian Rockies, undertaken by the Brays.
- 2008Meadow Brook Concours d'EleganceBest in Class
Displayed immediately upon completion of the Brays' restoration.
- —Road and track events in Maryland, Delaware, Washington D.C., and East CoastDriver: John Henry Greenway Albert
Owner drove with his chauffeur Columbus Ridge serving as riding mechanic across multiple events; few surviving period records confirm specific results.
- —Helldorado Parade, Tombstone
Annual civic parade in Tombstone, Arizona, founded by Albert in 1929; the car transported the Helldorado Queen each year and participated regularly until Albert's death in 1968.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1911Modification
Factory Tourabout coachwork was stripped and replaced with a custom lightweight aluminium boat-tailed body designed by Albert himself. A bespoke exhaust-heat gas-generating system was also engineered and fitted to the engine.
Work carried out by Albert and his chauffeur Columbus Ridge.
- 1962Restoration
Two-week refurbishment by Albert: bodywork repainted in fresh yellow and black enamel and new tyres fitted.
Described by Albert himself as a restoration, though limited in scope.
- 2008Restoration
Comprehensive restoration commissioned by the Brays following extensive touring use of over 15,000 miles.
Car was shown at the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance upon completion and received a Best in Class award.
- —Modification
Car was adapted for road and parade use through the addition of a 'mother-in-law' seat and a collapsible fabric hood.
Fitted prior to Albert's annual Helldorado parade duties beginning in 1929.
- —ServiceLocal Tombstone mechanic
Annual recommissioning carried out each year ahead of the Helldorado parade; car was stored at a Tombstone garage between events.
Routine seasonal preparation repeated over several decades.
- —Restoration
Full restoration carried out by Curtis Graf, which included removal of Albert's bespoke fuel-injection system and replacement of the modified engine cover.
Date not specified; undertaken during Graf's ownership, prior to 1984 Great American Race entries.
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