Offered from the Clem and Mary Lange Collection

1912 American Underslung Model 22 Scout

199ci, L-Head Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Rayfield Updraft Carburetor
22.5bhp (ALAM Rated)
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Front and Rear Underslung Leaf Spring Suspension
Rear Wheel Cable Operated Drum Brakes

*Believed to be the sole surviving 1912 example of a legendary Underslung model
*Beautifully restored to Concours winning standards
*Horseless Carriage Club event eligible
*Perfect to show or tour

THE AMERICAN UNDERSLUNG

The American Automobile Company of Indianapolis, Indiana is best remembered for its famous and revolutionary Underslung models. These innovative designs placed the frame rails below the axles, giving the cars a significantly reduced center of gravity as well as a signature and unmistakable look. The problems of ground clearance were remedied by the use of significantly oversized wheels. This design resulted in a chassis with remarkably sure handling while still retaining the necessary clearances to handle the poor road conditions of the day.

The visual effect of the Underslung chassis riding on wildly oversized wheels was dramatic and memorable and helped make it an icon of the pre-war era. These charismatic machines have been prized since the day they were built and their owners were many of the automotive luminaries viewed as legends in the hobby today. Captain Larz Anderson bought one new, and an Underslung was also one of Briggs Cunningham's first and most prized antique automobiles.

For 1912, American would diversify its offerings to a simple three model range, the large Traveler would be joined by a mid-range Tourist, and a more modestly proportioned 'Scout'. The Scout was offered as a 'strictly two-passenger car' with sporting roadster coachwork, according to advertising at the time, and priced at an exceedingly reasonable $1,250—just about a quarter the cost of the big Traveler. While it helped draw new buyers to the brand, it would ultimately not be enough to save the company which folded in 1914.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This beautifully restored Model 22 Scout is believed to be the sole surviving example from 1912, the introductory year for the model. While little is known about its early history, it was included in the roster of American Underslungs in existence in an extensive article on the marque by Walter Seeley in the July-August 1972 issue of Antique Automobile. At the time of the roster's composition in January of 1972, this car was listed as being restored and in the collection of one L. Stillwell.

The American joined the Clem and Mary Lange Collection in 2008. Showing as a nice, complete car with an older restoration at the time of purchase, it was soon taken apart and stripped to bare metal for a complete, concours restoration. Over 1,000 photographs detail the extensive work completed, including pictures of the stripped bodywork that reveal it to be well preserved and original metal. Upon completion of the work, the car was shown at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It would grace the field of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance the next year before heading to the 2014 Ault Park Concours where it would win Best in Class.

Within the last few years American Underslung cars have drawn considerable focus, a great share of the modest survivors crossing the Bonhams auction block. This 1912 example offers a more modest entry point to sample these legendary cars and we are proud to offer the car from its prominent stable.