1912 Simplex Model 50 Protected Touring

In early 1908, after importing top European marques including Panhard, Renault and Mercedes, Simplex decided to build a car of its own. It soon went racing, earning several wins at Brighton Beach, and then, in 1911, a Simplex driven by Ralph DePalma placed sixth in the very first Indianapolis 500 Race.

Simplex drivers were among the most affluent members of American society and always sought out the latest body designs. In 1912, front doors on touring cars were becoming fashionable, and this Fifty, bodied by Quinby, shows this 'Protected' design at its sportiest. This car was originally purchased by the Vanderbilt family (Harold Stirling Vanderbilt), which typified Simplex's wealthy clientele. At the time, Harold Vanderbilt was then said to be engaged to Eleonora Randolph Sears, a four-time national tennis champion who was also the first woman to ride a horse in a major polo match and who also raced yachts, participated in rifle shooting contests, and played squash, boxing, and football.

When the relationship between Mr. Vanderbilt and Ms. Sears ended, Sears got the car and kept it for over a quarter century, selling it only in 1939. This Simplex was later owned by Charles Chayne, head engineer at General Motors, an early noted collector, and former Vice President of Corporate Engineering for General Motors. This Simplex shared a garage with his Bugatti Royale.

Mr. Chayne added an aviation starter to the car. It was also owned for a time by what is now the Larz Anderson Museum.