1908 Simplex Model 50

The history of the Simplex is deeply rooted in the intersection of American and European innovation. The Simplex name was associated with several owners in its short 12-year run, but in that time Simplex vehicles came to represent the best combination of power and fashionable design that the U.S. had seen.

The original Simplex founders, Smith & Mabley of New York, took their cues from their careers as import car dealers, recognizing how European technology could impact American car design. Bankrupted after only two years, Simplex's founders handed over the reins to Herman Broesel. Broesel's passion for racing would redirect Simplex's focus to include European racing components and expertise. German-made chrome-nickel parts and frames, combined with Mercedes' skill, created a 90mph machine that was capable of more than quadrupling the current speed limit. Broesel's trendsetting did not end there. To further distinguish his automobile, Broesel teamed up with well-respected coachbuilders to add elegance and style to his very capable vehicles.

These unique cars were in high demand given the limited quantity the company could produce. The success however was short-lived. Broesel's untimely death in 1912 led to the company's demise. Sold to new owners with less interest in innovation, the Simplex company, then known as Crane-Simplex produced more orthodox vehicles. Only three years after the transition the Simplex name came to an end when the company refocused its energies on the war efforts.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2013