1914 Simplex Model 50 Touring

Simplex began producing fine automobiles in New York City in 1907 and lasted only until 1919. A buyer in 1914 could purchase a rolling, drivable chassis ($4,500) and then send it to a custom body maker to add the coachwork of their choice (typically another $2,500 - $3,000). This Simplex was reportedly custom-made for the flamboyant Diamond Jim Brady, a well-known purveyor of railroad equipment. The body by Holbrook has a unique single rear jump seat and bar cabinetry for the benefit of Brady's riding guests including long-time girlfriend, actress Lillian Russell. Powered by a 590cid 'long stroke' 4-cylinder T-head engine, it produces 50hp (ALAM) and was chain driven. With its optional Rudge-Whitworth wire wheels and 137' wheelbase, this Simplex retains its original body, engine and chassis. It is one of three remaining 1914 Simplex 50's.

This 1914 Simplex Model 50 was ordered new by a 27-year-old named Frederick T. Frelinghuysen V. Grandson of Frederick T. Frelinghuysen III, the United States Secretary of State for President Chester Arthur, young Frederick added the SImplex to his Park Avenue garage that included a 40hp National, a Lancia, an SVG, and a T-head Mercer. Frelinghuysen commissioned the Holbrook Company of New York to create the coachwork, with features that include integrated side lamps faired into the cowl.

By 1951, the car was in the care of Wyckoff, New Jersey collector Al Hood Jr. It was advertised by Hood for sale in 1951 and listed as being partially restored. He later decided to keep the car and finish the restoration. By 1952, the car was finished and being shown at vintage car events.

In 1953, the Simplex was sold to Mahlon Patton, who would further improve upon the restoration done by Hood. In 1957, the Simplex completed the 435-mile Glidden Tour Revival. In 1961, Mahlon drove the Simplex 700 miles round trip to participate in an event in Ohio. Later that year, he led another Glidden Tour in his Simplex. In 1965, the Simplex was lent to an English friend, Frank Davis, who participated in the Tour that year.

In 1973, to mark his 20-year anniversary of owning the Simplex, Mahlon drove the car over 1600 miles to participate in the Glidden Tour. Henry Austin Clark judged the car the finest Simplex on the Tour that year.

The Simplex's next owner was Manny Souza of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, and used it during the 1985 Glidden Tour. The car remained with Mr. Souza until being acquired by the current owner in 2018.

The new caretaker entrusted the car to marque specialist David Staadt's Simplex Garage for an assessment and service plan. The work included a full mechanical rebuild with the engine being completely rebuilt with all moving parts removed, checked for wear and cracking, and replaced as needed. The crankcase, a new replacement (the original numbered case is included with the car), was fitted with fresh bearings. New cylinder castings were fitted as well with new pistons and connecting rods, and the carburetor and magneto were also rebuilt. The radiator was fully serviced and the original Rushmore starter generator was rebuilt and returned to the car. The differential was rebuilt along with the inboard brakes and the multi-disc clutch relined. New sprockets were machined and fresh 80 gauge chains were fitted.

In 2019, the Simplex partook in another Glidden Tour, completing over 500 miles. After the tour, the car returned to Staadt's for the second phase of restoration. With the mechanical side in top order, a cosmetic restoration began. The body was stripped to bare metal and finished in a dark red livery. The cabinetry was refinished and the interior received fresh leather upholstery matching the original design. The brass work was restored, and a fresh tonneau cover, top boot, and side curtains were added. Among the few deviations from its original specification were the full set of 100mm Rudge-Whitworth wheels and hubs. A more tunable carburetor was installed, but the original Newcomb unit remains with the vehicle.

After the restoration, the car received a 2019 VMCCA Horseless Carriage National Award, an AACA First Junior and Senior awards (2022, 2023), 2022 Hilton Head Concours Best in Class, and 2023 The Amelia Best in Class.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2023