Roadster
Coachwork: Sibona-Basno
Designer: Exner
Chassis #: CSX2451
Mercer had always been one of those lesser-known automotive manufacturers. Its origins are anything but new. Established in 1909 by William Walter, the original factory would be located in Hamilton, New Jersey. However, debt problems would cause Walter to be bought by the Roeblings who would change the name to Mercer after having relocated the company to Mercer, New Jersey. Mercer would become well-known for its 1910 Type 35 Raceabout. It was a two-seat car that had been stripped-down, but it was capable of reaching 90 mph. This was a truly incredible feat for the day. The car would enter a number of races and would earn five victories out of six races in 1911. Its only loss would be the first Indianapolis 500. After Washington Roebling's death in the Titanic disaster, Mercer would be acquired by Emlem Hare. Hare would go on a spending spree and would end up overextending himself. Mercer would slip away into history without too many people really noticing.
Yet the Raceabout wouldn't go away. After World War II, it seemed 'skies the limit'. Inspired by the machines of war, reality and of fiction, car design and innovations would explode onto the scene. Almost every imaginable design would be produced. Many were elegant. Many others represented paradigm shifts. Others were just incredibly radical designs. The automotive industry was the modern artist's canvas.
Many material suppliers would attend the major car shows looking for any opportunity to sell their product. Just as it would be a time of great innovative and radical design, it would also be a time when unusual and exotic materials would be used to create a truly striking concept. The Copper Development Association's president, George Hartley, would catch a glimpse of Exner's concept in the Esquire article and would also catch a glimpse of a new way to market his metals. Being offered at this year's RM Auctions in Monterey, California, is the realization of Exner's Mercer Raceabout and the Copper Development Association's desire for a means to market its metals. It would become known as the 1965 Mercer-Cobra Roadster. Exner agreed to build the concept but needed to find a craftsman capable of producing the concept. Exner would be directed to Carrozzeria Sibona-Basano in Turin, Italy. Although Exner had a company capable he felt comfortable building the design, he still needed the chassis on which the concept would come to rest. Exner would turn to AC Cars in the U.K. The car would be purchased through Shelby American, which was the exclusive distributor for A.C. But not only would the body come from Shelby, but the engine, gearbox, and other elements would also come through Shelby.
When it debuted, the Mercer-Cobra Roadster received world-wide acclaim. It was a truly striking concept featuring futuristic wing fenders sweeping back along the side of the car. It would also have a long and narrow design familiar with the antique cars of the period of the Raceabout. It would feature rather modest rear fenders, and yet, stately taillights incorporated into tunnels in the mud flap. The interior would feature laid-back seating for two, opulent black leather throughout and would be surrounded by a large Plexiglass windscreen that would wrap all around to the sides of the car.
But it would be the use of copper and brass with Exner's dramatic design that would draw the most intrigue. The two metals would be used throughout the concept. Some eleven different alloys would be used throughout the car. The brass box-shaped grille immediately captures attention. The rest of the copper and brass details just keep the on-looker looking for more. And there certainly was more.
'Featured Lots: Lot No. 231: 1965 Mercer-Cobra Roadster', (http://www.rmauctions.com/featurecars.cfm?SaleCode=MO11&CarID=r241&fc=0). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/featurecars.cfm?SaleCode=MO11&CarID=r241&fc=0. Retrieved 17 August 2011.Wikipedia contributors, 'Mercer (automobile)', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 9 August 2011, 04:49 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mercer_(automobile)&oldid=443811864 accessed 17 August 2011'Car Reviews: 1965 Mercer Cobra Roadster', (http://www.topspeed.com/cars/shelby/1965-mercer-cobra-roadster-ar113038.html). TopSpeed: No Boring Cars. http://www.topspeed.com/cars/shelby/1965-mercer-cobra-roadster-ar113038.html. Retrieved 17 August 2011 By Jeremy McMullen
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