$275,000
/ USDDescription
The Simplex Automobile Co. was an American luxury Brass Era automobile manufactured from 1907 to 1918. Crane-Simplex was the common name of the Simplex Crane Model 5 luxury automobile, produced in New Brunswick, New Jersey, from 1915 to 1918. Headquartered with a manufacturing plant in New York City, manufacturing from 1912 was in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The Crane-Simplex Company was formed in 1922 in Long Island City, New York, by Henry M. Crane to resume production of the luxury car in an a...
Our Take:
- Rarity and Historical Significance: The 1915 Crane-Simplex Model 5 is a true gem from the Brass Era, a period when luxury automobiles were synonymous with bespoke craftsmanship and engineering excellence. With production limited between 1915 to 1918, any surviving examples are exceptionally rare. Cars like this are often part of museum collections or exclusive private collections, making them a sight to behold in the wild.
- Engineering Marvel: The Model 5 is powered by a 46 horsepower engine—a testament to the robust engineering of its time. It features a number of period-specific components like the original Newcombe carburetor and Bosch Magneto, alongside a dual ignition setup that was quite advanced for its day. Imagine the kind of meticulous care required to restore such a piece; it's a labor of love for any automotive historian.
- Cultural Reference and Style: With its diamond-tufted upholstery by Loren Burch and the rare mechanic’s seat—a feature not commonly seen today—this car captures the opulence and bespoke nature of early 20th-century luxury automobiles. The German silver radiator shell is polished to a shine that would rival any modern chrome finish; it’s almost like the car's version of putting on a tailored suit.
- A Snapshot of a Bygone Era: This vehicle is not just a car; it's a piece of history that marks the end of an era when cars were hand-built masterpieces. With its factory-documented parts and freshly painted finish, it's a rolling testament to the artisanal craftsmanship that defined luxury in the early automotive world. Riding on those 30-inch all-white Coker tires—doesn't it just scream style and grace of a forgotten time?