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1914 Mercer Model J-35 background image

1914 Mercer Model J-35 Raceabout

  • Chassis Number: 1989
In 1910 the Roebling family began building the Mercer Model 35 Raceabout, which is often called America's first true sports car.

This 1914 Type 35 J Raceabout has VIN #1989 and has only had four owners since new. The Mercer Raceabout didn't have much of a body in its 1911-1914 glory years - only fenders and a hood. No more than 150 were sold in any of these years. This example is one of the last Raceabouts built by mercer in 1914.

The car is powered by a side-valve, T-Head, smooth-running, 4-cylinder engine coupled to a four-speed transmission. The surprisingly quiet four-cylinder engine was the work of Finlay Robertson Porter, a brilliant automotive engineer with a taste for high performance. An oil-immersed multiple-disc clutch enabled unusually smooth gear-shifting for this era. The 300 cubic-inch (4916 cc - 4.9-liter) engine developed 50 horsepower and has a top speed of 75 mph. The 3,200-pound car sold for $2,250 in 1911.

The Mercer Raceabouts lived up to their name as they set numerous speed records. The second owner of this car modified the engine in order to compete at Daytona Beach in 191 when the car was timed at 112 mph, a world record speed that still stands for Mercer cars. It was restored in 1941 by Pennsylvanian Samuel Baily, a noted car collector.

No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.

Recent Sales of the Mercer Model J-35

(Data based on Model Year 1914 sales)
1914 MERCER TYPE 35-J RACEABOUT
Chassis#: 1967
Sold for USD$4,790,000
  2023 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach
1914 Mercer Model J-35 image  1914 Mercer Model J-35 image  

Mercer Model J-35s That Failed To Sell At Auction

1914 Mercer Model J-35's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High

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1914 Mercer Model J-35

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Other Mercer Model J-35 model years

1914 Mercer Model J-35 Vehicle Profiles

1914 Mercer Model J-35 vehicle information
Raceabout
Chassis #: 1967
Engine #: 1702
1914 Mercer Model J-35 vehicle information
Raceabout
Chassis #: 1989
1914 Mercer Model J-35 vehicle information
Raceabout
Chassis #: 1053

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