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This seven-passenger touring convertible with a body by Brewster was a very luxurious automobile in 1917. Brewster constructed the body from the finest materials, and the chassis and the engine were far from cheap. In 1917 the cost of the chassis alone was around $7,000. Compared to the price of a new Model T Ford, which was about $400 complete, the Crane-Simplex was quite expensive. It was also quite rare; the cars were built in very low numbers and the owners were wealthy and powerful, including the Rockefeller family.
The Crane Simplex featured all the amenities and convenience items one might expect in a car costing 10 to 15 times the average American's annual salary. A line from the Simplex Automobile Company advertisement tells the buyer: 'To those who demand the utmost in smoothness, flexibility, and luxurious comfort, this car is dedicated.' The Simplex built racing and touring cars but was best known for its high-priced luxury cars that were enjoyed by an elite clientele.
This particular Crane Simplex was ordered by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. (1874 - 1960) as a present to his father, John D. Rockefeller, Sr. (1839 - 1937), for his 83rd birthday.
Rockefeller, Sr. was an American oil industry magnate and founder of the Rockefeller Foundation.
The Crane Simplex featured all the amenities and convenience items one might expect in a car costing 10 to 15 times the average American's annual salary. A line from the Simplex Automobile Company advertisement tells the buyer: 'To those who demand the utmost in smoothness, flexibility, and luxurious comfort, this car is dedicated.' The Simplex built racing and touring cars but was best known for its high-priced luxury cars that were enjoyed by an elite clientele.
This particular Crane Simplex was ordered by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. (1874 - 1960) as a present to his father, John D. Rockefeller, Sr. (1839 - 1937), for his 83rd birthday.
Rockefeller, Sr. was an American oil industry magnate and founder of the Rockefeller Foundation.
No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.
Recent Sales of the Crane-Simplex Model 5
(Data based on Model Year 1917 sales)
1917 Simplex Crane Model 5 Dual-Cowl Victoria Phaeton Chassis#: 2333 Sold for USD$208,500 2012 Bonhams - Preserving the Automobile: An Auction at the Simeone Foundation |
Crane-Simplex Model 5s That Failed To Sell At Auction
1917 Crane-Simplex Model 5's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
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1917 Crane-Simplex Model 5
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