1912 Simplex Model 38

Early in the 20th century, Proctor Smith and Carlton Mabley began importing European cars to New York. In an effort to side-step import duties, they embarked on the manufacture of an all-American car that could compete with the best Europe had to offer. The result was the S&M Simplex, built in a five-story factory in Manhattan.

The cars had a strong following, but the Panic of 1907 dealt the Smith and Mabley a cruel blow. The business was sold to Herman Broesel, who was a friend of the Smiths, a textile importer, and a loyal Simplex customer. Broesel organized the Simplex Automobile Company with his sons Herman, Jr. and Carl.

The horsepower of the 30/35 S&M Simplex car was increased. The Simplex Model 50 with its four-cylinder, T-head engine was built from 1907 until the onset of World War I. Bodies were supplied by legendary coachbuilders such as Healey & Co., Demarest, and Holbrook and Brewster.

A smaller, shaft-driven car was introduced in 1911, called the Model 38. Production would continue through 1915, by which time Broesel's sons had bought out the Crane Motor Car Company of Bayonne, New Jersey.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2019