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1908 Simplex Model 50 news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Speedcar Roadster Chassis Num: 211 |
The chassis, springs, axle, sprocket, wheels, radiator, transmission, jack shafts, rear drums and sprockets, body and seats are all original to this Speedcar. The 13-gallon oil tank was salvaged from another car, as the original was not worthy of restoration. A 40-gallon fuel tank makes long touring a breeze.
The Speedcars were cataloged without fenders, but most had fenders to keep the dirt out of the occupant's faces. The fenders are in sockets on the frame for easy removal when the Speedcars were raced.
 |  |  | Speedcar Roadster |
The history of the Simplex is deeply rooted in the intersection of American and European innovation. The Simplex name was associated with several owners in its short 12 year run, but in that time Simplex vehicles came to represent the best combination of power and fashionable design that the U.S. had seen.
The original Simplex founders, Smith & Mabley of New York, took their cues from their careers as import car dealers, recognizing how European technology could impact American car design. Bankrupt after only two years, Simplex's founders handed over the reigns to Herman Broesel. Broesel's passion for racing would redirect Simplex's focus to include European racing components and expertise. German-made chrome-nickel parts and frames, combined with Mercedes' skill, created a 90mph machine that was capable of more than quadrupling the current speed limit. Broesel's trendsetting did not end there. To further distinguish his automobile, Broesel teamed up with well respected coach builders to add elegance and style to his very capable vehicles.
These unique cars were in high demand given the limited quantity the company could produce. The success however was short lived. Broesel's untimely death in 1912 led to the company's demise. Sold to new owners with less interest in innovation, the Simplex company, then known as Crane-Simplex produced more orthodox vehicles. Only three years after the transition the Simplex name came to an end when the company refocused its energies on the war efforts.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2007
The original Simplex founders, Smith & Mabley of New York, took their cues from their careers as import car dealers, recognizing how European technology could impact American car design. Bankrupt after only two years, Simplex's founders handed over the reigns to Herman Broesel. Broesel's passion for racing would redirect Simplex's focus to include European racing components and expertise. German-made chrome-nickel parts and frames, combined with Mercedes' skill, created a 90mph machine that was capable of more than quadrupling the current speed limit. Broesel's trendsetting did not end there. To further distinguish his automobile, Broesel teamed up with well respected coach builders to add elegance and style to his very capable vehicles.
These unique cars were in high demand given the limited quantity the company could produce. The success however was short lived. Broesel's untimely death in 1912 led to the company's demise. Sold to new owners with less interest in innovation, the Simplex company, then known as Crane-Simplex produced more orthodox vehicles. Only three years after the transition the Simplex name came to an end when the company refocused its energies on the war efforts.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2007
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