One of three Gordon Bennett Cups, established by James Gordon Bennett, Jr., millionaire owner of the New York Herald, the automobile racing award was first given in 1900 in France. The trophy was awarded annually until 1905, after which the Automobile Club de France (ACF) held the first Grand Prix motor racing event at the Circuit de la Sarthe, in Le Mans.

The Gordon Bennett Cup auto races drew entrants from across Europe including future aviatior Henry Farman and from the United States competitors such as Alexander Winton driving his Winton automobile. Under the terms of the race, the subsequent race would be hosted by the country of the most recent winner.

Gordon Bennett Cup winners:

• 1900 - Paris to Lyon, France won by Fernand Charron driving a Panhard
• 1901 - Paris to Bordeaux, France won by Léonce Girardot driving a Panhard
• 1902 - Paris, France to Innsbruck, Austria won by Selwyn Edge driving a Napier
• 1903 - Athy, County Kildare, Ireland won by Camille Jenatzy driving a Mercedes
• 1904 - Taunus, Germany, won by Léon Théry driving a Richard-Brasier
• 1905 - Circuit d'Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France won by Léon Théry driving a Richard-Brasier