1913 Mercer Raceabout

Description

Mercer automobiles were built in Trenton, New Jersey, from 1910 until 1925. Designed for use by amateur sportsmen, the T-head Mercer Raceabout was first sold in 1911, and these factory-built cars set competition records wherever they appeared. Raceabouts won the Chicago Automobile Club Trophy race three years running, including one driven by Ralph De Palma at an average speed of 66.8 mph. With its distinctive monocle windshield the Mercer Raceabout was known as 'The Champion Light Car' and was every sporting motorist's dream car along with its archrival, the Stutz Bearcat. The Mercer Raceabout Model 35J T-head was constructed from 1913 through 1914. Under the hood was a 300 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine and mated to a Brown & Lipe gearbox. In 1911 and 1912 there were three speeds. Beginning in 1913, a four-speed unit was offered with a multiple-disc clutch. To improve the vehicles handling characteristics, the drive was placed low in the frame. Mounted on the rear were dual spare tires. Many of the T-Head Mercer's were taken from the showroom floor and driven straight to the track. All that was needed to have these cars ready for the track was the removal of the fenders, running boards, and lighting equipment. After the race, the cars were driven home which made these one of the first mass produced dual-purpose vehicles. These were designed mostly for racing. They had a ladder-frame with very little bodywork (only a hood and vestigial fenders). They had a 25-gallon gas <b>...</b>

Keywords

Museum, TMAH, Dallas, Automotive, Mercer, Runabout, Events, Texas, Museumof, AH

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