1911 Regal Underslung Runabout

The Regal Car Company opened for business in Detroit in 1907. The company hired Paul Arthur to design a car, which was going to be bodied by Fisher Coachworks.

The company introduced its underslung model in 1911. It was priced at $900 for a runabout or $1,250 for the colonial coupe. Since the bodies were interchangeable, you could buy one chassis with both bodies for $1,400. Because of the sporty presentation allowed by the underslung design and the capabilities the Regal possessed, it was often touted as the 'Poor Man's Mercer.' This was quite the compliment, considering the Mercer sold at twice the price of the Regal.

The company went into receivership in 1918 after having its biggest production years in 1915, producing 8,227 cars. The story for which Regal may be best known forever is the great recall of 1907. After discovering issues with the 1907 cars, the manufacturer recalled the entire lot of 50 cars and replaced them with new 1908 models.