1911 Mercer Model 35

The Roebling family was the creator of tensioned wire rope suspension bridges, notably the Roebling-built Brooklyn Bridge. With the necessary financial stability from their success, the family decided to enter automobile production. To quicken the path to production, Washington A. Roebling II took over the William Walter company and acquired the vacant brewery factory from the Kuser family. The Mercer Automobile Company was formed in May 1909 in Trenton (Mercer County), New Jersey. Ferdinand Roebling was president, his nephew Washington was general manager, and John L. Kuser was secretary-treasurer. A.R. Kingston, E.T. George, and C.G. Roebling are credited with designing the early Mercer automobiles, and engineering was courtesy of Finley Robertson Porter.

The first Mercer automobiles arrived in 1910, but it was the Mercer Raceabout - introduced in 1911 - that earned the company its reputation. The minimalistic raceabout was powered by a T-head four-cylinder engine, and design elements included a round bolster tank, monocle windshield, and rudimentary seating for two. Produced from 1911 to 1915, approximately 800 Raceabouts were built, with many driven to racetracks where they achieved enviable success. Among those who promoted Mercer's capabilities were Barney Oldfield, Ralph de Palma, and Spencer Wishart.

Mercer built T-head, four-cylinder cars through 1914, when a new line of L-head fours was introduced, with a design created by Eric H. Deiling.

Despite the success, Mercer was the victim of misfortune. Washington A. Roebling went down with the Titanic in 1912, Finley Porter resigned in 1914, his replacement (Eric H. Delling) resigned in 1916, F.W. Roebling passed away in 1917, and C.G. Roebling a year later.

In October of 1919, the company was acquired by a Wall Street syndicate calling themselves the Mercer Motors Company. It was later acquired by a substantial interest in Locomobile and Simplex marque, resulting in Hare's Motors, which collapsed in August 1921. Control of Mercer returned to original Mercer individuals, including John L. Kuser.

The Mercer Model 35
The Mercer Type 35R Raceabout had an elemental appearance, a potent T-head engine, and a low-slung stance. Produced from 1911 to 1915, they were aptly suited for gravel roads, dirt ovals, road circuits, and high-speed racing. From the showroom to the racetrack, all that was needed was the removal of the fenders, lighting equipment, fenders, and running boards.

The Mercer Type 35 had a ladder frame, a 25-gallon fuel tank mounted directly behind the two seats, two-wheel rear mechanical drum brakes, foot-operated transmission brakes, a three-speed manual transmission, and a live rear axle. The 301 cubic-inch T-head four-cylinder engine produced 34 horsepower (ALAM Rated). The 108-inch wheelbase was used to carry to Raceabout and Runabout, while the larger 118-inch platform supported the 4- and 5-passenger Touring. The Runabout had side doors, a top, a full windscreen, and a slightly raised steering column, but the same hood, radiator, and front fenders as the Raceabout. The 1913 model had its gearshift positioned outside the body, similar to the Raceabout.

The 1911 Mercer Model 35
The 1911 Mercer model lineup included the Model 30 and Model 35, both powered by a four-cylinder engine. Model 30 body styles included a toy tonneau, limousine, and five-passenger tourer. The Model 35 was a two-passenger raceabout priced at $2,250 and a toy tonneau priced at $2,750.

The Mercer Type 35 Raceabout is considered to be the United States' original sports car, beating the Stutz Bear Cat to market by a year. They were among the fastest automobiles in the world.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2023