Rudy Kling – 1937 National Air Races Champion with Thompson, Greve & Aerol Trophies – Original Press Photo

Celebrate one of the greatest moments in Golden Age air racing with this original 1937 press photograph of legendary pilot Rudy Kling at the National Air Races in Cleveland, Ohio. Kling is pictured proudly with three of the era’s most coveted prizes:

• Thompson Trophy – Awarded for his victory in the Unlimited Division, flying the Folkerts SK-3 “Pride of Lemont” to a record speed of 256.91 mph.

• Louis W. Greve Trophy – Earned for first place in the race for aircraft under 550 cubic inches displacement.

• Aerol Trophy – Another top award from the same meet, cementing his dominance in 1937.

Stamped on the reverse by International News Photos, Cleveland, this image captures a rare feat in aviation history—one pilot sweeping multiple major trophies at a single National Air Races event. Tragically, Kling’s life and career were cut short in 1938, making surviving photographs like this especially valuable to collectors.

Details:

• Date: 1937

• Location: Cleveland, Ohio

• Photographer: International News Photos (stamped reverse)

• Subject: Rudy Kling with Thompson, Greve, and Aerol trophies

• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with sharp detail and light handling wear consistent with press use.

• Size: [Insert actual photo dimensions]

• Type: Original gelatin silver press photograph

This is a must-have for collectors of aviation memorabilia, air racing history, and 1930s sports photography.