1912 Simplex Model 50 Toy Tonneau

The origins of Simplex go back to the turn of the 20th century when Albert Smith and Carleton Mabley began manufacturing cars under the name S & M Simplex. After several years and with a new owner, Simplex began producing the Type 50, which became its most popular model.

This Toy Tonneau built by J.M. Quinby of New York has a 50 horsepower, 10-liter, 4-cylinder engine and was one of the most expensive motorcars of the Brass Era. It was bought new by Hal Roach, who produced the Laurel and Hardy films. After the war, Lindley Bothwell purchased it, removed much of the bodywork, and entered it in vintage races. As such, it was one of the first cars shown during the Pebble Beach Road Races in the early 1950s. Its current owner has returned the Simplex to its original specifications (with a new body), and returned to the Pebble Beach Concours 65 years later, in 2015.