Vehicle Description
Crane Motor Car Company of New Jersey once held the distinction of
being the most expensive automobile built in the United States.� In
1912, a Crane Model 3 cost an astonishing $8000 without a body;
this at a time when median income in America was just $687. While
no doubt costly, at least it offered quality and performance few
could match. Henry Middlebrook Crane had designed a magnificent
machine, with its L-head six-cylinder making a topping 100
horsepower. Given the eye-watering cost, it is no surprise that
only approximately 40 Crane Model 3s were sold, followed by just a
few Model 4s. Henry Crane only lasted on his own from 1912-1915
when he was bought out by Simplex, another high-end motorcar
manufacturer. Henry Crane was kept on as a vice president and his
successor to the Model 4 was rebadged as a Crane-Simplex. Using an
improved version of the L-Head six-cylinder engine, now making
110hp, the new car was still of the same exceptional quality and
performance.� Crane-Simplex only existed for four short years, with
roughly 475-500 cars produced over that time. Yet in spite of such
tiny production numbers, the marque stands with the likes of
Rolls-Royce, Locomobile and Stutz as one of the most prestigious
motorcars of the period. Wearing sporting bodywork and exquisitely
presented, this 1915 Crane-Simplex Model 5 is an outstanding
example from this storied American marque. Its original owner, Mr.
Adler, purchased the car in 1915 and is reported to have kept it
over three decades, finally parting with it in 1946. Only seven
people have owned this wonderful machine over the course of a
century, including Harold Langdon who kept the car from 1972 to
2005. The body is a later addition, as often occurs with luxury
automobiles of this era. Common with early Rolls-Royce and similar
cars, a chassis may outlive multiple bodies as they age and styles
change. This lovely boattail speedster-like style suits the car
well and surely makes for strong performance thanks to its light,
pared-down construction. The quality of the body and subsequent
restoration is exceptional with gorgeous deep maroon paint on the
chassis and cycle fenders contrasting the light grey color of the
main body. Paint quality is excellent and panel fit very good for a
car of this era. It is a large automobile, though very well
proportioned and beautifully detailed. The front compartment
features doors for driver and passenger, while a smaller rear
compartment as a very cool single-sided door; a very nice period
appropriate touch. The beautiful radiator shell is nickel plated,
as are the drum headlamps, Simplex wheel hub caps and assorted
hardware on the chassis. A fascinating detail is the pair of brass
shock absorbers affixed between the front axle and headlight
stanchions. The rear of the car tapers to a boat-tail style, while
the cut-down windscreen, dual rear-mount spares and floating
step-boards impart a decidedly sporting appearance. The interior is
dominated by the fat wood-rimmed steering wheel with nickel spokes
and engine controls in outstanding order, beautifully polished and
detailed. The dash features a marvelous array of instruments and
switchgear, with the driver getting a Warner Auto Meter speedometer
and odometer, along with an ammeter and fuel gauge. With an obvious
eye toward touring and rallying, the front passenger faces a
Waltham clock and oil pressure gauge, along with controls for fuel
pressure, mixture control and the Bosch ignition system. Front and
rear cockpits are trimmed in beautiful red leather which appears
fresh and shows very little use. Maroon carpets tie in with the
bodywork nicely, and the rear compartment is covered with a canvas
tonneau when not in use. Detailing throughout the interior is
lovely and very well judged. Of course, the highlight of any
Crane-Simplex is Henry Crane's mighty L-Head inline-six cylinder
engine. Displacing 8,795 c.c. and producing a full 110 horsepower,
this magnificent engine is one of the greatest of the era. Our
example has been lovingly detailed down to correct ignition wires,
fabric wiring loom and brass hose clamps. The presentation is
breathtaking, doing Crane's masterpiece appropriate justice. It
runs incredibly well, producing massive torque and returning
performance that is astounding for a vehicle that is more than a
century old. It is believed that fewer than 500 Crane-Simplex Model
5s were built in the short time the company existed before being
taken over in 1919. Such was their quality and performance that
most original owners kept them for many years, our featured example
being no exception. Crane-Simplex stands among the finest motorcar
manufacturers of all time, and this wonderful example represents a
beautifully restored and thoroughly usable entry into this rarified
world. It is an absolute thrill to drive and will surely make a
lasting impression on its next keeper.
