Mercer Model J-35, 1914 Model J-35 Pictures, News, Reviews, and Info | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Wallpaper, Pricing, Information, History

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Raceabout

The first collector of this vehicle was James Melton, an opera singer of the Firestone Hour radio program in 1940's. The car was later given to Mr. Melton by the Standard Oil Company of New York. Mr Foley has owned this car for 36 years. It has been shown with much success including an AACA national winner; Miller trophy winner - Best in Show at the Heritage Classic, Daytona Beach, Fl.

The J-35 models were built from 1911-1914 in Trenton, NJ. The chief engineer was Finley Robertson Porter.

The engine is a T-Head design generating 30.6 hp; t-head; wheel base 108'; 67' tire tread; gear ration 1st-8.58-1, 2nd 4.62-1, 3rd 3.47-1, 4th-2.52-1; bore-4 3/8' stroke 5'. Tire size 32x4; fuel capacity 25 gallons; oil capacity 5 gallons; original price $2600 FOB, Trenton, NJ.

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Raceabout
Chassis Num: 1989

This 1914 Type 35 J Raceabout has VIN #1989 and has only had four owners since new. The Mercer Raceabout didn't have much of a body in its 1911-1914 glory years - only fenders and a hood. No more than 150 were sold in any of these years.

The car is powered by a side-valve, T-Head, smooth running, 4-cylinder engine coupled to a four-speed transmission. The surprisingly quiet four-cylinder engine was the work of Finlay Robertson Porter, a brilliant automotive engineer with a taste for high performance. An oil-immersed multiple-disc clutch enabled unusually smooth gear-shifting for this era. The 300 cubic-inch (4916 cc - 4.9-liter) engine developed 50 horsepower and has a top speed of 75 mph. The 3,200-pound car sold for $2,250 in 1911.

The Mercer Raceabouts lived up to their name as they set numerous speed records.

The Mercer Raceabout Model 35J T-head was constructed from 1913 through 1914. Under the hood was a 300 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine and mated to a Brown & Lipe gearbox. In 1911 and 1912 there were three speeds. Beginning in 1913, a four-speed unit was offered with a multiple-disc clutch. To improve the vehicles handling characteristics, the drive was placed low in the frame. Mounted on the rear were dual spare tires.

Many of the T-Head Mercer's were taken from the showroom floor and driven straight to the track. All that was needed to have these cars ready for the track was the removal of the fenders, running boards, and lighting equipment. After the race, the cars were driven home which made these one of the first mass produced dual-purpose vehicles.

These were designed mostly for racing. They had a ladder-frame with very little bodywork (only a hood and vestigial fenders). They had a 25-gallon gas tank mounted directly behind the two-seats. There was little needed to prepare them for racing; some owners added a monocle windshield to provide mild protection from the elements and harsh roadways of the era.

It is hard to imagine that these were very advanced vehicles of their day, but they were. Their T-head engine offered 60 horsepower and their finely-tuned gear ratios and four-speed transmission gave them a competitive edge over their rivals. Though the body and frame seemed minimalist and crude, it was lightweight and rugged. With no body, no starter, and a lack of amenities, these Speedsters weighed a mere 2300 pounds.

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