1913 raceabout - transverse front spring and tube axle.

[nzcarnerd]

This photo is from a facebook page.

 

Comments suggesting Simplex, Stutz or Mercer but I don't know for certain what it is.

 

The most distinctive feature is the front end - note it has a tubular axle and a transverse front spring.

 

Having the steering tie rod across the front might suggest a date of quite a lot earlier than 1913.

 

[John Trumbo]

Just speculating, but overall the vehicle is too heavy (Stutz-like) to be a Mercer. Also appears a bit clunky to be a Simplex. Front fenders are flat (no indication of crown) and are similar to trucks of early teens. No idea really, but what about a thrown-together, homebuilt rig? Also, the headlights are too far apart to be a Mercer or Stutz.

[1912Staver]

The speedster bodywork is possibly a revision of a standard bodied car . However I believe the chassis is most likely  a regular production item.  That transverse  spring is extremely distinctive however it is something I don't recall ever seeing on a larger car like this one.

The front lamps are quite widely spaced , but are only of a " medium " size.  So most likely not a really high end make. Rad has a bit of a Stevens Duryea look. The fenders may be the stretched  canvas style used on some racers / speedsters .

 

Greg in Canada

Edited July 10, 2020 by 1912Staver (see edit history)

[Ray Garcia]

With PA dealer tags and a sporty car, I was thinking Otto, they were distributed out of Philadelphia and made through 1912.  I have to look through my old pictures  but I took dozens of photos of a yellow speedster that was in Horsham PA in the 60's to the 80's. That car has been at Hershey a few times and I think the AACA museum has it now.

[1912Staver]

The Otto is a reasonably small car. This one looks larger to me, but it could just be the camera angle. If I recall correctly the Otto also uses parallel leaf springs.

 

Greg