 1912 Model 35 | 1914 Model J-35  | 1914 450 | 1914 Model O |
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1913 Mercer Model 35 news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Raceabout Chassis Num: 1143 Engine Num: 35J 716 |
The Mercer Raceabout was created by Finley R. Porter (designer and engineer) and the Roebling and Kuser families of Brooklyn Bridge construction fame. Porter's self-taught engineering abilities were combined with Washington A. Roebling's concept of a low-slung speedster. The minimalist vehicle was agile, had an impressive power-to-weight ratio, and proved extremely capable in competition. Many were driven off the showroom floor and to the race track where they often emerged victorious.
Even though they were minimalist, they carried a base price of $2,250 making them unreachable by most of the public. The T-Head Raceabout was never produced in mass quantities nor where they hailed as a practical car. They offered no protection against the weather, no creature comforts, and the ride was harsh. These were meant to race and to win.
This Mercer Model 35J left the Trenton factory as a civilized Raceabout wearing heavier coachwork. It is one of the desirable late 1913 Mercers (along with the 1914 models) fitted with an updated 4-speed transmission with the improved multiple-disc clutch.
This Mercer was once part of the legendary Harrah Automobile Collection. It was sold by Harrah in the mid-1970s to an individual, who commissioned a restoration to remove the heavy touring car bodywork and rebuilt the car to correct Raceabout specifications.
Upon completion, the car was shown at the 1976 HCCA National Tour where it was given best-of-show honors as well as wining a special award for the most desirable car present. The car was inherited by the owner's son in 1984. Since then, it has been used in a number of prestigious tours including the Mozart Tour, the Modoc Tour, Baja 500s and many others.
Since its restoration in the 1970s, this car has been driven over 30,000 miles without any trouble. It has gone through three sets of tires and still capable of sustaining speeds well in excess of 75 mph. In recent years, the engine and transmission have been completely rebuilt, with the Brown & Lipe gearbox receiving new 2nd and 3rd gears.
The car is finished in correct yellow and black livery. In 2008, this Model 33 Coupe with Dickey Seat was brought to the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, CA. Bidding failed to reach the vehicle's reserve and the lot was left unsold.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2009
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By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2009
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 | Raceabout |
This car has just undergone a complete nut and bolt restoration over the last three years and is making is concours debut at the 2005 Amelia Island Concours.
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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
For more information and related vehicles, click hereMany 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 | 1914 Model J-35 | 1914 450 | 1914 Model O |
