The Paris - Madrid race of 1903 promised to be the most ambitious motor race yet held. The cars were faster than ever before, capable of 80 MPH in some cases, but without proportionate stopping power, and the crowds had little understanding of the speeds and dangers involved. The result was the worst series of accidents in any race up to that time. At least five drivers and mechanics were killed, as well as several spectators and numerous dogs and oxen, Fernand Gabriel won this event on the 70 HP Mors with an average speed of 65.3 MPH.