This 1912 Simplex Model-38, is powered by a four cylinder 40HP,T-Head motor with a CID of 476. 4-speed transmission. Exact replicabody by Holbrook. This car runs and drives excellent. Complete withstarter. Ready for touring! Although the history of the mightySimplex automobile is complicated, its reputation is not. TheSimplex automobile is considered by automotive historians as one ofthe most significant cars built in America during the pre-World WarI period. What set the automobiles built by Simplex apart fromother American and European vehicles was the extreme attention todetail and quality. The Simplex automobile was one of the firsttrue American sports cars. From the factory, they could be drivenas powerful road going vehicles during the week and competitivelyraced on the track during the weekend. They were engineered to havethe ideal power to weight ratios, which, in stock form, made themone of the most competitive American racing machines of the period.This history of Simplex began when Proctor Smith and Carlton Mableybegan importing fine European cars to New York early in the 20thcentury. In order to escape import duties, they embarked on themanufacture of an all-American car to rival the best that Europehad to offer. The cars were built in very limited quantities in asmall, a five-story factory in Manhattan. Priced 6,000.00-or nearlyten-times the cost of a new, Model T Ford-the Simplex automobilesfound homes with some of the most prestigious American families ofthe era. Like most expensive, luxury vehicles, the Simplex Companyonly built the chassis and the bodies were custom designed andbuilt to the individual owners specifications. Bodies were suppliedby esteemed coachbuilders such as Healey & Co., Demarest, Holbrookand Brewster. This rare and desirable 1912 Simplex Model 38, carnumber 1150, is powered by a huge, four-cylinder, T-head enginewith a cubic inch displacement of 476 and a conservatively ratedhorsepower of 40. Unlike most cars of the period, the Simplex Model38 was equipped with a four-speed, sliding gear transmission, whichconnects to the rear wheels via shaft drive. The wheelbase for theModel 38 is 127 inches. This example is fitted with an exactreplica of a sporty and lightweight, four-passenger touring bodyoriginally supplied by the New York coachbuilder, Holbrook. Today,this mighty Simplex is a charming and well-presented olderrestoration that looks right from all angles. It was restored inthe late 1980s and by 1991 had earned its National First PlaceSenior Award by the Antique Automobile Club of America. It has beenowned by a number of well-known collectors including WilliamLassiter of Florida and most recently, a well-known east coastcollector of significant brass-era automobiles. The shining blackpaint and matching tufted leather seats are further defined by acareful red pinstripe that reveals every shape, curve and line ofthis majestic car. With its host of brass fittings, this caraccurately portrays the style and luxury of its era. As an olderrestoration, black finish shows the expected of aging that onewould expect from an early car that has been used and enjoyed. Thediamond tufted leather interior is well preserved and has a nice,mellowed look to it. The folding black top shows the expected signsof wear, mainly from being folded as this car certainly begs to bedriven with the top down. This car is well optioned with numerous,period brass accessories including a pair of large, gas headlampswith a proper, carbide generator, a complementing pair of sidelamps, a tail lamp, a bulb horn, a Jones speedometer and a foldingwindshield. Under the hood, the mighty, four-cylinder T-head engineis equipped with its Bosch magneto ignition system as well as ascarce and desirable period accessory Rushmore starting unit. Thechassis and engine bay show the expected signs of cosmetic use thatone would expect. At the time of the restoration, the artillerywheels were completely rebuilt for reliable touring. The chassis isequipped with period, accessory spring-loaded shock absorbers. Itshould be noted, that restoration of this Simplex was not simplyaesthetic. The drivetrain was completely restored with the ideathat this car would be used for long distance touring. Afterwinning its AACA awards, this mighty Simplex completed severalBrass & Gas and Horseless Carriage Club tours. Today, this car isready to continue its touring tradition and will offer its nextowner the opportunity to lead the pack at any motoring events.Cosmetically, the car still shows extremely well and was recentlyinvited and displayed at the Concours of America at St. Johns(formerly Meadowbrook). Simplex motorcars have always been held inhigh esteem by leading car collectors. It is estimated that lessthan a dozen Model 38 Simplexes have survived. They rarely becomeavailable and are highly sought after by major collections.Exceptionally rare and historically significant, this Simplexrepresents an excellent opportunity to own a top-quality example ofa Brass Era automobile.