1915 Crane-Simplex Gentlemen's Speedster
Inventory Number: 3051
$275,000
This 1915 Crane-Simplex Model 5 Gentlemen’s Speedster is extremely rare, fully restored, and
operational. A body tag from Simplex Automobile Co. of New York displays 46 HP, Crane Model #5,
Car #2101. The number “2101” is also displayed on the transmission and engine’s
lower case. It sports documented factory parts, including Crane-Simplex headlights, gas and oil
tanks, gauge clusters, switches, taillights, steering wheel, hand controls (spark advance/retard and
throttle levers), and a horn.
Expert diamond-tufted upholstery from Loren Burch covers the seats and the very rare mechanic’s seat mounted on the right side. The engine underwent a 14-month expert restoration and displays an original Newcomb carburetor, Kellogg air compressor, and Bosch magneto. Six additional spark plugs were installed to accommodate a dual ignition. It rides on four non-tread 30-inch all-white Coker tires with a spare on display. A new interior floor has been installed, fresh paint and pinstriping applied, and the German silver radiator shell has been polished to a shine. Not only is this Gentlemen’s Speedster an eye-catching work of art, it’s also a representation of the ending of an era of hand-built, high-end automobiles.
The Simplex Automobile Co. was an American luxury Brass Era automobile manufacturer operating from 1907 to 1918. Crane-Simplex was the common name of the Simplex Crane Model 5 luxury automobile, produced in New Brunswick, New Jersey, from 1915 to 1918. Originally headquartered with a manufacturing plant in New York City, the company moved manufacturing to New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1912. The Crane-Simplex Company was formed in 1922 in Long Island City, New York, by Henry M. Crane to resume production of the luxury car in an attempt to revive the brand, but it closed after only a few chassis were built.
Expert diamond-tufted upholstery from Loren Burch covers the seats and the very rare mechanic’s seat mounted on the right side. The engine underwent a 14-month expert restoration and displays an original Newcomb carburetor, Kellogg air compressor, and Bosch magneto. Six additional spark plugs were installed to accommodate a dual ignition. It rides on four non-tread 30-inch all-white Coker tires with a spare on display. A new interior floor has been installed, fresh paint and pinstriping applied, and the German silver radiator shell has been polished to a shine. Not only is this Gentlemen’s Speedster an eye-catching work of art, it’s also a representation of the ending of an era of hand-built, high-end automobiles.
The Simplex Automobile Co. was an American luxury Brass Era automobile manufacturer operating from 1907 to 1918. Crane-Simplex was the common name of the Simplex Crane Model 5 luxury automobile, produced in New Brunswick, New Jersey, from 1915 to 1918. Originally headquartered with a manufacturing plant in New York City, the company moved manufacturing to New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1912. The Crane-Simplex Company was formed in 1922 in Long Island City, New York, by Henry M. Crane to resume production of the luxury car in an attempt to revive the brand, but it closed after only a few chassis were built.