Vehicle Description
The American Automobile Company of Indianapolis, Indiana, was
founded in 1906, and in their brief eight-year history, produced a
variety of cars, although none are more highly regarded or
memorable as their revolutionary Underslung models. The innovative
chassis design of the Underslung had the axles set over the frame
rails, resulting in a distinctly sporty appearance, low center of
gravity, and necessitating the signature oversized wheels. The
clever chassis design is attributed to Fred Tone, though some have
mistakenly credited another young engineer and American Automobile
Company employee, one Harry C. Stutz. Stutz did work for the firm
in its early days, and he designed their conventional line of cars,
though he left in 1907. Like many manufacturers of their day,
American Auto Co. vehicles rapidly grew in size and stature, and by
1911, their portfolio included powerful 50 and 60-horsepower
engines in the Underslung chassis. Unfortunately, the high price of
these models limited sales, and they never met expectations of
management. By 1914, the company was bankrupt, and its assets were
sold. Although they're just a minuscule blip on the radar screen of
automotive history, American Underslungs have long been prized by
motoring celebrities - Captain Larz Anderson bought one new, and
the Underslung was one of Briggs Cunningham's first and most prized
antique automobiles. For the 1912 model year, American simplified
their range into three models - the Traveler, Tourist, and Scout.
The Scout was strictly a two-passenger affair with sporty and
rakish roadster bodywork. Priced at $1,250, it was the most
affordable of the line, but even that was not enough to save the
firm, and the doors were shut just two years later. This stunning
Model 22 Scout is believed to be the only surviving 1912 example
extant and is well-known among marque enthusiasts. While its
earliest history has yet to be discovered, Walter Seeley included
it in the roster of known American Underslungs he compiled for the
July-August 1972 issue ofAntique Automobile.At that time, Seeley
noted that the car had been previously restored and was owned by
Mr. L. Stillwell. In 2008, it joined the most recent owner's
prestigious collection, and was shortly thereafter meticulously
disassembled and taken down to bare metal for a concours
restoration. Refinished in white with black accent lines, a crimson
chassis, and an array of highly polished brass accessories, this
Scout is positively stunning. Upon completing the restoration, it
was shown at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the Amelia
Island Concours d'Elegance in 2013, and the Ault Park Concours in
2014, where it earned Best in Class. The detailing is exquisite,
and it features beautifully restored Gray & Davis lamps, Prestolite
acetylene generator, Warner speedo, rear-mounted spare, and the
radiator is adorned with a brass "THE AMERICAN" emblem and
magnificent soaring eagle mascot. A digital file containing over
1,000 photos of the restoration will accompany the sale. Beneath
the hood sits a 22.5-horsepower inline-four displacing 199 cubic
inches. It is beautifully detailed with a correct Rayfield updraft
carburetor, period-correct fittings, plumbing, and wiring. While it
is the smallest engine in American's 1912 line, it pairs perfectly
with the compact and nimble Scout chassis, making this perhaps one
of the earliest examples of a purpose-built sports car in the US
motoring industry. Beautifully restored and detailed with
jewel-like precision, this positively splendid American Underslung
Scout is a highly sought-after collector piece that would be at
home in virtually any prominent collection and a welcome sight on
concours lawns worldwide. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7020-1912-american-underslung-scout-roadster/