1916 Crane-Simplex Model 5 Touring Car

In 1949 this Simple Crane Model 5 Seven-Passenger Touring Car was sold to an Ohio collector. He kept it for over two decades, selling it in 1960 to the Late Benny X Goldflies. It was sold in 1990 to its present owner and it has been a part of a well-known California collection since that time.

The car has a large tonneau, dual spare tires mounted in the rear, wooden artillery-style wheels, orange-painted undercarriage and accents, and a white-painted body.

In 2007 it was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction where it was estimated to sell for $240,000 - $275,000. The car has had only four owners from new, is in great condition, is simple and elegant, and benefits from impeccable engineering and construction. At the auction, the lot was sold for $198,000.

In 2009, the car returned to Gooding & Company's auction at Pebble Beach carrying an estimated value of $160,000 - $225,000. It would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2010