LOT 84
1922 Mercer Series 5 Runabout Chassis no. 19140 Engine no. 6460
Sold for US$87,360 inc. premium
Lot 84
'From the Lindley Bothwell Collection'
1922 Mercer Series 5 Runabout
1922 Mercer Series 5 Runabout
1922 Mercer Series 5 Runabout
Chassis no. 19140
Engine no. 6460
Chassis no. 19140
Engine no. 6460
298.2 CI L-Head Side Valve Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Zenith Updraft Carburetor
70 HP at 2,800 RPM
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
Front Beam Axle, Rear Live Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
Rear Wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes
*The final cars to be offered from the legendary Lindley Bothwell Collection
*One of 336 Mercer's built in 1922
*An Iconic American Sporting brand
*In current Bothwell family ownership since the 1940's
*Featured in several shows and films
THE MERCER SERIES 5
If one ever needed definitive proof that the concept of the sports car originated in the United States, they should look no further than Mercer Raceabout. First built in 1911, Mercer's Raceabout, with its thundering T-head four-cylinder engine, standard exhaust cutout, round bolster tank, monocle windshield and rudimentary accommodations for only the driver and a brave passenger, was the first successful series-built automobile designed for the sole purpose of going fast and winning races.
Between 1911 and 1915 the Roebling brothers (whose father had designed and built the Brooklyn Bridge) and their engineer Finley Robertson Porter built some 800 Raceabouts which their customers could take straight from the factory to the race track with a good chance of winning and an even better chance of finishing well. Barney Oldfield and Ralph de Palma raced Mercers. Spencer Wishart bought one, drove it right to a dirt track in Columbus, Ohio and won the 200-mile feature. He set four dirt track records in the process.
Mercer continued to build T-head, four-cylinder cars through 1914, then introduced a new line of L-head fours designed by Eric H. Deiling. When the Roeblings died within a year of each other ownership of the company passed to a New York investment syndicate which put Emlen Hare, former manager of Packard's New York branch, in charge. Hare proceeded to add Locomobile and Simplex-Crane to the company which, in the post WWI recession, proved to be more distraction than his management skills could handle. By 1921 control of Mercer was back in the hands of the founding families.
Through it all Mercer continued to build high quality, fast cars in its Trenton, New Jersey factory (in Mercer County, from which it took its name.) Production estimates vary, but none exceed 1,000 per year and some sources believe fewer than 5,000 Mercers in all were built between its inception in 1911 and the end of production in 1924.
The Deiling-designed Mercers introduced in 1915 were powered by a 298 cubic inch side-valve four-cylinder engine with single ignition and drove through a 4-speed transmission. The 3 3/4" bore engine was rated 22.5 NACC horsepower and its earliest versions were said to make 70 brake horsepower. Later Mercers made 80 bhp. Brakes were installed only on the rear wheels. Suspension employed live axles at both ends, suspended from semi-elliptical leaf springs. Deiling was one of the first American designers to add Houdaille lever action friction shock absorbers to the suspension, a feature that vividly illustrates his desire to enhance Mercers' ride, comfort, and handling.
The new Raceabout/Runabout body also gave its occupants more protection from the elements and the vicissitudes of the generally marginal roads of the time. The body now had sides protecting the driver's and passenger's legs although the seat back still formed the back of the passenger compartment and the fuel still rode on the rear deck in a round bolster tank. Fenders were enclosed to the frame to keep stones and dust from being kicked up onto the bodywork and occupants and a full-width flat glass windshield gave added protection, although it folded down for high-speed runs. In effect, the Model 22-70 Mercer Raceabout was refined, improved, more comfortable and easier to own and drive, applying the lessons learned in five years of production of the Mercer Type 35.
THE CAR OFFERED
This Series 5 has been in the Bothwell family for decades, believed to be acquired by them in the early 1940s and was known to be one of Ann Bothwell's favorite cars to drive in. This Mercer is one of the two last vehicles to be offered directly from the long-term ownership of the Bothwell family – an iconic American machine to come from one of the oldest car collections in the world.
Quite the rare automobile, this is 336 cars built by Mercer for 1922. Recently out of long-term storage, it is the subject of considerable mechanical work. Having recently been made to run, it may require additional attention. The Mercer presents in fair condition, as the older restoration is beginning to show its age. With that age comes an appealing patina which is quite fitting to the car, and many charming original features are still present. Mechanically the Mercer remains largely intact and complete. The engine shows all its key and difficult-to-find components.
During the Bothwell family's ownership, this Mercer was featured in several TV shows and movies including The Great Gatsby, The Man Who Broke 1000 Chains (1987) and Star Trek (1992). A great car from a great American manufacturer, this is a wonderful opportunity to get the last offerings from the fantastic Bothwell collection.
Saleroom notices
Title in transit.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistAuction Viewings
- 23 January 2024, 09:00 - 18:00 MST
- 24 January 2024, 09:00 - 18:00 MST
- 25 January 2024, 09:00 - 10:00 MST
Bid now on these items
United Kingdom
1899 Phébus 2¼hp Motor Tricycle
£50,000 - £60,000
United Kingdom
1911 Delaunay-Belleville 26HP Tourer
£70,000 - £100,000
United Kingdom
1913 Hotchkiss Model AD 20/30 Tourer
£50,000 - £60,000
United Kingdom
1902 Beaufort 8hp Two-Seater Phaeton
£50,000 - £70,000
United KingdomOffered without reserve
c.1901 Gladiator Four-Seat Rear-Entrance Tonneau
£50,000 - £70,000
