1912 Crane Model 3 Four Passenger Sport Landau

This 1912 Crane Model 3 wears four-passenger Sport Landau coachwork believed to have been built by coachbuilder F.R. Wood of New York. It is believed to have been delivered new to Helen Hartley Jenkins with an order price of $8,000 for the chassis alone. Mrs. Jenkins owned no fewer than three of these exclusive and radically expensive automobiles. It was acquired by Fred Roe in the early 1950s and at the time, was in somewhat dilapidated condition. It was, however, substantially complete with details that include the side-step plates and the Landau top. Following a sympathetic restoration, Mr. Roe used the car with some frequency at HCCA events. After a rod bearing failed, the car was put into storage. It was later acquired by Mr. Fafard and given an extensive restoration. The exterior was finished in rich burgundy, and the brightwork was polished back to its brass base. It was given an overdrive and front disc brakes.

The 563 cubic-inch L-head inline 6-cylinder engine uses a Newcomb Updraft carburetor and delivers 110 horsepower at 2,900 RPM. There is a four-speed manual transmission, semi-elliptic leaf springs with tubular dampers, and double-acting hand and foot brakes on the rear wheels.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2021