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1913 Mercer Model 35

The Mercer-built vehicle was among the most revered of the Brass Era, thanks in part to its well-balanced chassis and T-head four-cylinder engine, with its blocks cast in pairs and mounted on an aluminum crankcase. These were the contributions of the engineer Finley Robertson Porter and endowed the Mercer with sporting characteristics that helped it become one of the world's fastest road cars of its era.

For 1913, the Mercer Model 35 was available as a 2-person Raceabout (called the 35J) and a Runabout (the 35K). Both rested on a wheelbase that measured 108 inches. A four-person touring body style was available on the Model 35, as was a five-person version. Both of these body styles rested on a wheelbase that measured 118 inches. The four-door touring was called the 35G, and the five-person version was dubbed the 35H. Both the 35G and 35H sold for $2900; the 35J sold for $2600, and the 35K listed for $2700.

The 301 cubic-inch T-Head inline 4-cylinder engine used a single Fletcher carburetor that helped it produce 34 horsepower (ALAM Rated). They were backed by a four-speed manual transmission, and rear-wheel drum brakes provided the stopping power. The suspension was comprised of semi-elliptic leaf springs with Hartford Friction-Type shock absorbers.

The Mercer Raceabout was created by Finley R. Porter (designer and engineer) and the Roebling and Kuser families of Brooklyn Bridge construction fame. Porter's self-taught engineering abilities were combined with Washington A. Roebling's concept of a low-slung speedster. The minimalist vehicle was agile, had an impressive power-to-weight ratio, and proved extremely capable in competition. Many were driven off the showroom floor and to the race track, where they often emerged victoriously.

1913 Mercer Model 35 photo
Raceabout
Even though they were minimalistic vehicles, they carried a base price of $2,250, making them unreachable by most of the public. The T-Head Raceabout was never produced in mass quantities, nor were they hailed as a practical car. They offered no protection against the weather, no creature comforts, and the ride was harsh. These were meant to race and to win.


by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2019

Related Reading : Mercer Model 35 History

The Mercer Raceabout Model 35J T-head was constructed from 1913 through 1914. Under the hood was a 300 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine and mated to a Brown %26 Lipe gearbox. In 1911 and 1912, there were three speeds. Beginning in 1913, a four-speed unit was offered with a multiple-disc clutch. To improve the vehicles handling characteristics, the drive was placed low in the frame. Mounted on the rear....
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