nzcarnerd

This car is definitely an S&M Simplex from about 1906-7. 1907 was their last year. The Peerless cars of this era were shaft drive and had angled rather than curved radiator tops. I am sure most people will have a copy of the Standard Catalog of American cars for this era. There is a fairly good pic of a 1906 S&M in there and the following features can be seen. Note that on our mystery car the Mayor is stepping out on to a small step, well above the running board, and there is a small cupboard with a latch between the two - for access to the driving chain. Note also the outer control lever which is well forward. Also the use of ten spoke wheels at the front and 12 spoke wheels at the back. As far as I know, none of these cars has survived.

The Columbia's radiator is quite different in shape (both top and bottom) to that of the mystery car. Note also that the Columbia doesn't have the protruding plain-bearing front hubs that the mystery car has. Even though the pic is dated 1908, the car would be 1905. It puzzles me why these cars use pleated and buttoned seats. All that does is hide poor quality leather. The best cars had plain seats which required the very best unblemished hides.

This car must be one of the first "Altered Wheelbase Funny Cars".

Either that or that is the gear lever for the progressive gearbox and he is looking for first gear to get going again.

I would agree with S&M. What a superb photo - great detail. Check out that bank of oilers on the dash top. Looks as if the driver hasn't even applied the handbrake yet.

Its styling and construction features would suggest it is quite a lot earlier than 1913 and it looks to be in new condition. From the reduction ratio of the chain drive it was no ball of fire. What does that small sign on the side say? Looks like "MADE BY - ???" Probably one for the antique commercial guys to sort out.

Leif got in while I was working on this one. I agree Hupmobile because of the sidelights and the three clamps on the front bumper. I think the visor was an option in this era. This link is to a pic of a regualr sedan whereas the mystery car is probably a town sedan. http://www.geaaonline.org/05PIC17.JPG

I reckon about 1924 but it could be a year or two earlier.

I have found a pic of a 1906 Thomas with the crank through the radiator like our mystery car. Looks also to have 14 spoke wheels and a curvy body. Perhaps both images are the same car? http://www.earlyamericanautomobiles.com/images/autos2621.jpg

One maker who used 14 spoke wheels was Royal Tourist.

I agree that image B looks like a Thomas from the top profile of the radiator but I haven't seen a pic of a thomas with the radiator going below the crank handle. Maybe it is an early (circa1905?) big-engine one of which there are no survivors today??

This one would be about 1908-10. Before that they had the carburettor at the end of the engine.

Looks like an Amilcar.

This is a 600cc Indian Scout from the period 1920 to 1926 but I am not sure of the detail differenced between the years.

Note that the mystery car has bigger head and side lights than the red car pictured - maybe it is a bigger model or perhaps that was just part of the custom body package. Standard did a series of fastback cars in the thirties called "Flying ***". Perhaps this is an early one of these.

Regarding the value if mint - particularly as it is a sedan - probably quite a bit less than what it would cost to restore.

Not '29 as they have the two wings which get broken easily.

I agree that the car on the far right is a '34 Plymouth. It appears to have the independent front suspension so is a PF. Behind the Hanomag is a 1936 GM product - possibly a Chev Master? Next back looks to be a '35 Plymouth - probably not common to see them with sidemounts - and behind that a '35 Chev Master two door or maybe it is a '36 Chev Standard two door?

The Marmon club has a website . Here is a '32 from their members cars page. Site Builder Marmon Model 8-125 Deluxe. Looks very similar - shape of front fenders, headlight brackets and that moulding at the base of the windshield.

I realised quite quickly, as you say from the front fenders, that this is not a REO. That moulding at the base of the windshield is distinctive. Its not Hudson or Olds.

Vent doors on the hood sides narrows it down a bit - probably to 1932. A rare car whatever it is. Might even be a REO.

Looks like a 1924 Buick 4 cylinder tourer. That is not a dual cowl phaeton, that is just an accessory extra windscreen behind the front seat. Looks to be on Houk wires maybe?

In 1912 this would have been quite an old car. Aspects of its styling suggest it dates from 1902 or 1903. Note it has a tubular chassis. The body is a rear entrance tonneau because it has a short chassis. The bonnet/hood is of the type with removeable panels top and side and can be removed as a whole. The steering arm is forward of the front axle. Note also that those big self generating lights are hanging out in front of the radiator. From the clothing styles I would have thought the date of the photo was much earlier than 1912.

Another feature is the radiator mounted well forward of the front axle - another feature of early short wheelbase cars.

With those big plowshare front fenders it could be somewhat earlier - maybe 1906-7. Not sure what it is though.