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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. Bankrupted after only two years, Simplex's founders handed over the reins 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.
Beginning in 1912, Simplex began to produce an even more sporting model, the 75 HP. The engine was placed 10 inches farther back in the chassis, which gave a much greater rake to the steering column. The finished result was dramatic and racy. Three 75 HP cars exist today, but this example is the only Speedster. It was given as a 21st birthday gift to Francis Brown of Hawaii. It is presumed that the four spare tires were a necessity on the very rough, Iava roads of Kona in 1913. The car eventually moved with Mr. Brown to a new residence in Pebble Beach and remained there until his death in 1976. Then Bill Harrah acquired the car at Brown's estate auction.
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. Bankrupted after only two years, Simplex's founders handed over the reins 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.
Beginning in 1912, Simplex began to produce an even more sporting model, the 75 HP. The engine was placed 10 inches farther back in the chassis, which gave a much greater rake to the steering column. The finished result was dramatic and racy. Three 75 HP cars exist today, but this example is the only Speedster. It was given as a 21st birthday gift to Francis Brown of Hawaii. It is presumed that the four spare tires were a necessity on the very rough, Iava roads of Kona in 1913. The car eventually moved with Mr. Brown to a new residence in Pebble Beach and remained there until his death in 1976. Then Bill Harrah acquired the car at Brown's estate auction.
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Recent Sales of the Simplex Model 75
(Data based on Model Year 1913 sales)
Simplex Model 75s That Failed To Sell At Auction
1913 Simplex Model 75's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
| Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
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1913 Simplex Model 75
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