1915 Mercer 22-70

Raceabout

In the autumn of 1914, the Mercer Automobile Company announced a new series of cars designated the 22-70, including a Raceabout and Runabout on a 115-inch wheelbase. The design of these cars was a departure in all regards from the type 35 T-head they replaced. The new L-head motor of 298 cubic inches was adopted from that of the Deltal racing car which finished second to Mercer at Elgin in 1913. The Deltal race car was designed and built by Erick Delling and a colleague named Hackenthal (thus the name Deltal). Delling was employed as Chief Engineer by Mercer until late 1915 and was responsible for the designs of the 22-70.

Raceabout
Chassis number: 2408

The Mercer Automobile Company of Trenton, New Jersey, was formed in 1909 with the financial backing of the wealthy Kuser and Roebling families. The first Mercer automobile appeared in 1910. It was powered by an L-Head Beaver engine and available in several body styles including the Toy Tonneau, Touring, and Speedster models. Later in the year, the Model 35-R Raceabout was announced, with deliveries taking place in 1911.

The Raceabout was the work of Washington A. Roebling II, the son of company founder C.G. Roebling. The low stance and robust construction made it very competitive and a frequent victor in competition. Mercer fielded a 'works' racing team led by Ralph De Palma and won five of the six events they entered in 1911. De Palma set eight new records for Mercer, boasting the company's sales, and establishing the marque in history.

The Model 22-70, measuring 115 inches, was announced in the autumn of 1914. This new model was powered by an innovative L-head four-cylinder engine design that features a long stroke and a lightweight reciprocating assembly. It was rated at 70 to 73 horsepower, though it produced closer to 90 horsepower.

This Mercer 22-70 was given a restoration in 1999. Its desirable bodywork is believed to have been constructed on an original Touring chassis. It is finished in maroon with dual rear-mounted spare tires.

In 2009, this 22-70 was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $225,000 - $300,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $220,000, including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Sporting

For many people, the Mercer was a racecar. The famous Mercers were but one of various models produced by the company during the two plus decades of its existence. Behind the Mercer venture were the wealthy Roebling family of Savannah and the Kuser family, who had been involved in the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. Roebling invented the coiled wire rope used to suspend the bridge.

The first Mercer cars arrived in 1910. Racing was big and international in Savannah in the early days of racing, and Mercer was the king of racing. 'The Mercer was the Steinway of the automobile world.'

The Mercer Company was already on a rocky road financially when Washington A. Roebling II died in the disaster of the Titanic. Mercer produced 931 cars in 1915.