301ci T-Head Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Flechter Carburetor
34bhp (ALAM Rated), 65bhp (Tested)
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front and Rear Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs
Hartford Friction-Type Shock Absorbers
Rear-Wheel Drum Brakes

*A genuine, original and well-known T-head Mercer
*The only surviving 1913 Type 35 Runabout, with external gearshift and 4-speed transmission
*The more comfortable sibling of the legendary Raceabout model
*A veteran of numerous tours over the last seven decades

THE MERCER

Among the most famous and revered American automobiles of the Brass Era, the Mercer featured a marvelous T-head 4-cylinder engine, with its blocks cast in pairs and mounted on an aluminum crankcase, and an exceptionally well-designed and balanced chassis, all the creation of engineer Finley Robertson Porter. In an era when most of the world's fastest road cars were vast, heavy, high-horsepower brutes that required considerable muscle to operate, the Mercer was a true sports car, smaller, low-slung, and unusually sprightly. No wonder, then, that it rapidly became one of the kings of the board track.

Mercers were, justifiably, among the first automobiles to be widely collected, as the earliest enthusiasts recognized the greatness of their design and engineer. Examples have figured into the world's finest collections, and once acquired, they tend to stay put for years, even decades. More than a handful of Mercers are now in their second or third generation of ownership, because to own one, is to love it. Accordingly, the opportunity to acquire an excellent, original example is extremely rare.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The most famous Mercer offering on its T-head Type 35 chassis was the Raceabout, a race car-for-the-road that was essentially a pair of seats on a chassis, with a rakish lowered steering column. Such is the lasting fame of the Raceabout that enthusiasts tend to forget that Mercer offered an entire range of body styles on the same chassis and drivetrain. Some of these offered barely more bodywork and, therefore, virtually equal performance.

First and foremost among these is the Runabout, offered in 1913 and 1914, which could be essentially considered a Raceabout with side doors, a top, a full windshield, and a slightly raised steering column. The hood, radiator, and front fenders were all identical to those used on the Raceabout; the 1913 model even had the gearshift outside the body, in the Raceabout's rakish fashion, and was on the same 108-in.-wheelbase chassis with desirable 4-speed transmission. In other words, the 1913 Runabout, in particular, really was "the luxury Raceabout."

Unfortunately, because this model was so very similar to the Raceabout in its bones, most of those that were fortunate to survive have since been rebodied in that guise. In fact, the example offered here is recognized by Mercer authorities as the only 1913 Type 35 known to survive with its original Runabout coachwork.

The Runabout's earliest known owner is Frank Miller of Glendale, Ohio, who had acquired it by 1951. The Antique Automobile Club of America listed it in his ownership in their 1954, 1961, and 1968 rosters – importantly, referencing the Runabout body and the current chassis and engine numbers. Many of the tour badges present on the dashboard to this day were accumulated under the ownership of Mr. Miller, including participation in no fewer than six Glidden Tours. This was indeed one of those Mercers upon which the modern antique automobile hobby was founded.

The car was subsequently purchased by well-known East Coast Mercer enthusiast, Ed King, and then passed to Joel Naive. It continued to be toured actively in Mr. Naive's ownership. Following Mr. Naive's passing, it was acquired from his estate by a partnership of collectors from the Midwest, who sorted it mechanically, touched up its cosmetic finishes including replating the windshield, and enjoyed showing it for several years, including in 2000 at the Meadowbrook Concours d'Elegance. The collectors eventually sold the Mercer to the Langes in 2004 at Bonhams' Brookline Auction at the Larz Anderson Museum in Brookline, Massachusetts, and it has remained part of their prominent stable of fine Brass Era motorcars ever since.

While, as mentioned, the Mercer was lightly freshened in prior ownership some two decades ago, much of the paintwork and interior remains from its original restoration, and is holding up remarkably well for its age, testament to the quality of the workmanship. The body, hood, and fenders are all believed to retain their original sheet metal. The car is still fitted with correct Mercer headlamps – although they were long ago modified to be electric, and under the hood, the original Flechter carburetor, missing even on some of the best surviving cars, remains happily in place. Proving its status as a "runner," the car won its class at the 2005 Newport Hill Climb in Indiana. A Bonhams specialist had the pleasure to drive the car and found it to be a swift and exciting machine, winding up to speed with ease and cornering with gusto.

Offering one of the truly remarkable driving experiences of the Brass Era, this extraordinarily genuine T-head Mercer is among the most exciting auction offerings in recent memory. Well-known as an authentic example, it has been beloved by only a handful of enthusiasts in the last seven decades of its life. It awaits a world of touring opportunities for its new owner, continuing back to the earliest days of the hobby and perpetuating a great tradition in the spirit of such revered Mercer owners as Henry Austin Clark, Jr., Peter Helck, and Ken Purdy – a pantheon of company that its new caretaker is now to join.