1916 Crane-Simplex Model 5
1916 CRANE-SIMPLEX MODEL 5
CUSTOM MADE HISTORIC PRESERVATION VEHICLE – READY TO TOUR!
This Simplex just completed the 48th Modoc tour hosted by Rodney Flournoy. This five-day tour took place in the scenic northeast corner of California. The participants drove approximately 300 miles to a variety of beautiful destinations. Each day of the tour presented its own challenges including steep uphill and downhill grades and distances exceeding 50 miles each way. Due to the benefit of a complete mechanical restoration of the Simplex it performed admirably. The oil pressure was always consistent with the manufacturers specification. The engine water temperature ranged from 150 – 180 degrees. The vehicle’s steering and tracking are excellent.
This Crane Simplex had been held in storage for many years and may never have been previously toured. It is a hidden gem that was a star attraction at the Modoc tour.
The new owner of this Simplex will enjoy the distinct privilege of showing and explaining the astonishing details of the technically advanced features of this opulent limited production motor car with its body custom made to its original owners specifications.
FOR PURPOSE OF COMPARISON:
The Simplex offered here is exceptionally original with a custom made one-of-a-kind German nickel silver radiator and has optional extra expense Rudge-Whitworth wire wheels. It has the most interesting and elegant enclosed body of any Crane-Simplex in existence. The provenance is complete from date of purchase.
Another different outstanding and very famous 1916 Crane Simplex is owned by JAY LENO.
It is a Holbrook custom bodied skiff designed with a nautical theme. Bill Harrah previously owned it. Its value is in the millions of dollars His Simplex skiff can be seen here.
The vehicle being offered for sale is very different in appearance from Jay Leno’s.
This automobile has an elegant custom-made Brewster limousine body with a unique German nickel silver radiator. However, both vehicles have an identical chassis with 25” 120MM center lock Rudge-Whitworth wire wheels, 110 hp. 563.7 cu. in. 6 cylinder engines which will propel each car up to 65 mph, 4 speed transmissions, all Bosch electrical components including magneto, coil, generator and starter.
Original owners of 1916 Simplex automobiles include:
The J.D. Rockerfeller family, owned two.
The Vanderbuilt family owned one.
The Kimball Family (manufacturers of high-quality pianos) owned one.
Other wealthy industrialists and influential families who could afford supreme quality luxury grade automobiles chose Simplex.
IT CONTAINS AN ABUNDANCE OF VERY IMPORTANT ILLUSTRATIONS AND INFORMATION
ONE OF A KIND CLASSICALLY STYLED
ENCLOSED DRIVE FORMAL LIMOUSINE WITH BODY BY BREWSTER
IT IS NOT AN “ASSEMBLED CAR”!
Frame, rear axle, front axle, drive shaft, clutch, transmission, engine, muffler, steering box, water pump and even the intricate trouble light mounted on the fire wall were all made by Simplex! Two notable exceptions are the huge solid brass vacuum operated Newcomb carburetor and the Kellogg four-cylinder air compressor for pumping the tires.
HAS AN AMAZING CUSTOM-MADE GERMAN NICKEL SILVER RADIATOR
Ordered by the original owner and was modeled after an early Napier automobile
UNPARALLELED ORIGINALITY
Has original upholstery and body paint including original owner’s monogram. Every part and assembly on this car are as made or supplied by the manufacturer when new, there have been no alterations or substitutions.
COMPLETE HISTORY AND PROVENANCE
Documented history of ownership from when new to present owner
HAS HAD A COMPLETE COMPREHENSIVE MECHANICAL RESTORATION
The body was left in place to maintain authenticity; our blog illustrates every step of the work!
READY TO SHOW AND TOUR WITH ALL NEW SAFETY GLASS
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