Weird Wednesday
The very last remains of Mercedes-Simplex # 823? ( UPDATE III: not imported!)

• 
• 
• 
• 

Decades ago George Albright from Florida bought this heavy brass Mercedes-Simplex data plate at an auction (click main pic for enlargement). The plate had been attached to a vehicle imported into the USA (Editor: see update II) for distribution by Daimler Manufacturing Company New York agent C.L. Charley. When looking at the serial numbers in the Veteran Car Club of GB registry of 1902-13 Mercedes, in all likelihood the car or engine number 823 was built in 1903 and was probably attached to a Mercedes Model # 18PS. This could be a four cylinder car of either 18/22 HP or 28 HP. Sadly this plate is probably all that’s left of this wonderful car. But maybe, just maybe someone out there has the car -or the remains of it- to go with this plate. Who can shed some more light on the origins of this plate? Contact us!

You have seen that George advertised the plate with us this week and that it was sold within HOURS! (click).

Update III by Hugh Nutting: “The late Hugo Pfau explained the early Simplex as a Mercedes 'like' car. Most likely due to the use of Mercedes engines and some parts. The radiator badge is Simplex. Shortly after 1911 Henry Crane designed an entirely new large car called the Crane-Simplex. Mercedes or the imported may have made these tags to create a serial/motor number for the basic supplier parts chain. I know of another case like this, the Railton cars used Hudson original serial number plates in 1933 and 1934. They continued to use the same Hudson factory issued numbers through 1939 stamped into Railton VIN plates.”
Update II: Malcolm Jeal comments… “The Mercedes-Simplex plate would not have been attached to an imported car but one manufactured by the Daimler Manufacturing Co of Long Island City NY that produced what are generally referred to as the 'American Mercedes' between 1905-1907; a disastrous fire destroying the factory in the latter year. Only one model was produced, the 45hp. The reason for establishing the NY factory was to avoid paying the American import duty of 45%, this resulting in the Mercedes case in a saving of $3000 over an imported car. The number on the plate does not relate to numbering on the manufacturer’s plate of German-produced cars which carried the Order, Wagen (Car), and Motor numbers, plus the PS or horsepower.”
Update I by Kit Foster: "And one wonders what amazing history his remains will gain in the process..." Editor: That may be true but for now this snip of history on the Mercedes-Simplex ID-plate #823 is documented.

Ajoutez un commentaire...