1912 Model 35  |
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1911 Mercer Model 35 news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Raceabout |
The car is powered by a side-valve, T-head, 4-cylinder, 4916cc (4.9 Liter) engine developing 50 horsepower. It has a three-speed transmission and is capable of 75 mph.
In 1911, Raceabouts won five of the six major races that racing versions of the model were entered. A Raceabout set eight world speedway records in its class in 1912, and set another four more on a dirt track.
This 3,200-pound vehicle sold for $2,250 in 1911.
 | Raceabout |
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2009
 |  |  | Toy Tonneau |
The Raceabout sold for $2,250, which was a stiff price. For an additional $500, one could have a similarly-powered four-passenger Toy Tonneau. While these two high-speed models - Raceabout and Toy Tonneau - were finding their place in the rapidly expanding automobile market, production of the more traditional Beaver-engined Mercers was continued for only one more season.
Captain of the Mercer driving team was Ralph DePalma, one of the leading drivers of this generation. DePalma personally racked up eight world records during his time with Mercer.
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.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2008
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.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2008
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| Mercer: 1911-1920 |
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| 1912 Model 35 |
