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Details
c1913 SIMPLEX MODEL 50 VICTORIA TOURING
Chassis No. 1159
Red with black fenders, chassis and running gear with yellow pinstriping and black leather interior with a black top
Engine: T-head four cylinder, cast in pairs, bore 5¾, stroke 5¾, 597ci, 60bhp at 1,200rpm; Gearbox: H-pattern four speed manual with reverse; Suspension: front and rear semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: rear two wheel internal expanding. Right hand drive.
When translated, the Latin word simplex means simple. However, there is truly nothing simple about the Simplex motor car with its 800 different parts and components. It is considered by many to be one of the most significant automobiles ever produced. Its origins can be traced back to the original Mercedes Simplex designed by Wilhelm Maybach and imported by the firm of Smith and Mabley. A.D. Procter Smith and Carlton R. Mabley had been importing fine European automobiles such as Renault, Panhard and Fiat, however, with the overwhelming costs of customs duties the duo set out to establish their own firm to produce cars. Edward Franquist was enlisted as both Chief Engineer and Superintendent of the New York City-based factory. Openly frank about the influences on and contributions to their Simplex by many of the finest European motor cars, Franquist combined this proven technology with the intricacies of his own designs. In their makeshift factory, the first Smith and Mabley Simplex motor cars were built in small numbers utilizing only the finest materials. Krupp E.F. 60point chrome nickel steel was used for shafts, axles and frame members while gun iron was used for cylinder blocks and piston castings. One of the goals of Smith and Mabley was to create as many of their components as possible. They achieved this, with the exception of wheels, tires, coils and magnetos. By 1907 though, after showing only limited success, Smith and Mabley were forced to sell their interests in the company to businessman Herman Broesel.
Broesel, with the assistance of his two sons, Herman Jr. and Carl, continued production of the car, now called the Simplex Motor Car. Edward Franquist remained at the company and had recently finished work on a new short stroke, 50 horsepower engine. Franquist's new engine ultimately proved to be the key in the redevelopment of the Simplex. The 597 cubic inch example was listed as a 50 horsepower car, but actually developed approximately 60 horsepower. With a square bore and stroke of 5¾ inches, the T-head engine was a powerhouse of torque, durability and most importantly, speed. The Simplex also featured a massive crankshaft with one large ball bearing in front and two babbitt bearings behind. The valves were 2 7/8 inches in diameter and were placed on either side of the engine, given the T-head configuration. Gear change was performed with a four speed, H-pattern transmission that, when geared properly, offered the driver a variety of options based on the terrain and circumstances of the daily drive. The Simplex was and still is a mechanically superior car on many levels and, with the assistance of coachbuilding firms like Healey and Company, J.S. Quimby, Demarest, and Brewster and Holbrook, the Simplex Motor Car's appearance appealed to even the most discerning motorists.
In 1907 Simplex offered only one model, the 124in wheelbase, 50 horsepower Four Passenger Touring. By 1913 there were four models, of which Christie's is pleased to offer a Model 50 Victoria Touring. This Simplex is finished in red with black leather interior and is powered by a dual chain drive 50hp engine. Commonly referenced as David Tunick's "favorite car," the Simplex has been in the family for over 70 years. Originally purchased by Mr. Tunick, the vehicle had been modified and was used as a tow truck with a crane in the back. Being in need of attention, Mr. Tunick enlisted an expert restorer by the name of Gustav Reuter to complete the restoration, installing a whole new back and carriage top, original buttoned upholstery and finish. Reuter and Tunick together "saved" this Simplex. Later, in 1968 they completed the Transcontinental Reliability Tour from New York City's Times Square to San Francisco in a recreation of the United States portion of the 1908 New York to Paris automobile race. Consisting of forty entrants built prior to 1914, Tunick and his family completed the race a day earlier than the twenty finishers covering 3,300 miles in just 27 days.
It is reported that it has not run since 1972 and is ready for a complete restoration and recomissioning. To that point, Christie's believes that the carburator and manifold may be cracked and require specific attention. Called the 'Champion of Cars', the 1913 Simplex is an opportunity that should not be missed as Brass Era cars of this significance rarely come to market.
Chassis No. 1159
Red with black fenders, chassis and running gear with yellow pinstriping and black leather interior with a black top
Engine: T-head four cylinder, cast in pairs, bore 5¾, stroke 5¾, 597ci, 60bhp at 1,200rpm; Gearbox: H-pattern four speed manual with reverse; Suspension: front and rear semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: rear two wheel internal expanding. Right hand drive.
When translated, the Latin word simplex means simple. However, there is truly nothing simple about the Simplex motor car with its 800 different parts and components. It is considered by many to be one of the most significant automobiles ever produced. Its origins can be traced back to the original Mercedes Simplex designed by Wilhelm Maybach and imported by the firm of Smith and Mabley. A.D. Procter Smith and Carlton R. Mabley had been importing fine European automobiles such as Renault, Panhard and Fiat, however, with the overwhelming costs of customs duties the duo set out to establish their own firm to produce cars. Edward Franquist was enlisted as both Chief Engineer and Superintendent of the New York City-based factory. Openly frank about the influences on and contributions to their Simplex by many of the finest European motor cars, Franquist combined this proven technology with the intricacies of his own designs. In their makeshift factory, the first Smith and Mabley Simplex motor cars were built in small numbers utilizing only the finest materials. Krupp E.F. 60point chrome nickel steel was used for shafts, axles and frame members while gun iron was used for cylinder blocks and piston castings. One of the goals of Smith and Mabley was to create as many of their components as possible. They achieved this, with the exception of wheels, tires, coils and magnetos. By 1907 though, after showing only limited success, Smith and Mabley were forced to sell their interests in the company to businessman Herman Broesel.
Broesel, with the assistance of his two sons, Herman Jr. and Carl, continued production of the car, now called the Simplex Motor Car. Edward Franquist remained at the company and had recently finished work on a new short stroke, 50 horsepower engine. Franquist's new engine ultimately proved to be the key in the redevelopment of the Simplex. The 597 cubic inch example was listed as a 50 horsepower car, but actually developed approximately 60 horsepower. With a square bore and stroke of 5¾ inches, the T-head engine was a powerhouse of torque, durability and most importantly, speed. The Simplex also featured a massive crankshaft with one large ball bearing in front and two babbitt bearings behind. The valves were 2 7/8 inches in diameter and were placed on either side of the engine, given the T-head configuration. Gear change was performed with a four speed, H-pattern transmission that, when geared properly, offered the driver a variety of options based on the terrain and circumstances of the daily drive. The Simplex was and still is a mechanically superior car on many levels and, with the assistance of coachbuilding firms like Healey and Company, J.S. Quimby, Demarest, and Brewster and Holbrook, the Simplex Motor Car's appearance appealed to even the most discerning motorists.
In 1907 Simplex offered only one model, the 124in wheelbase, 50 horsepower Four Passenger Touring. By 1913 there were four models, of which Christie's is pleased to offer a Model 50 Victoria Touring. This Simplex is finished in red with black leather interior and is powered by a dual chain drive 50hp engine. Commonly referenced as David Tunick's "favorite car," the Simplex has been in the family for over 70 years. Originally purchased by Mr. Tunick, the vehicle had been modified and was used as a tow truck with a crane in the back. Being in need of attention, Mr. Tunick enlisted an expert restorer by the name of Gustav Reuter to complete the restoration, installing a whole new back and carriage top, original buttoned upholstery and finish. Reuter and Tunick together "saved" this Simplex. Later, in 1968 they completed the Transcontinental Reliability Tour from New York City's Times Square to San Francisco in a recreation of the United States portion of the 1908 New York to Paris automobile race. Consisting of forty entrants built prior to 1914, Tunick and his family completed the race a day earlier than the twenty finishers covering 3,300 miles in just 27 days.
It is reported that it has not run since 1972 and is ready for a complete restoration and recomissioning. To that point, Christie's believes that the carburator and manifold may be cracked and require specific attention. Called the 'Champion of Cars', the 1913 Simplex is an opportunity that should not be missed as Brass Era cars of this significance rarely come to market.