1913 Mercer Model 35 Raceabout

The Mercer Model 35 is often said to be America's first true sports car. Built in Trenton, New Jersey, between 1910 and 1925, Mercers were often sold to aspiring amateur race drivers. In 1913, the sportiest Mercer was the two-person Raceabout designated the 35 J. Built on a 108-inch chassis, it was powered by a 4-cylinder, 4.9-liter, side valve, T-head engine mated to a Brown & Lipe gearbox. These cars were exceptionally fast for the period; they were guaranteed to do over 70 mph when very few people had driven at over 50 mph. Mercer Raceabouts won the Chicago Automobile Club Trophy three years in a row, and a Raceabout finished second in the 1913 Indianapolis 500 behind a more powerful Peugeot.

This car has been raced and toured by its current owner for many years but is still one of the most original Mercers in the world. Restored several years ago, all the body panels are stamped with their original numbers and the engine still runs with its original Fletcher carburetor.