Rare 1913 Mercer 35-J Raceabout with rich history to be auctioned, estimated at $2.5-$3 million, Monterey Jet Center 2024.
A true gem of early American motoring history, a 1913 Mercer 35-J Raceabout, is set to be auctioned at the Monterey Jet Center in 2024. This remarkable vehicle, estimated to fetch between $2.5 million and $3 million, is a testament to the pioneering spirit and engineering prowess of the early 20th century.
The 1913 Mercer 35-J Raceabout, chassis number 1273, is one of the few remaining examples of this iconic model. Known for its T-head four-cylinder engine producing approximately 55 horsepower, the Mercer Raceabout was a marvel of its time, capable of speeds up to 90 mph in stock form. This particular car boasts a storied history, tracing its ownership back to its original buyer in 1913, Rufus C. Cushman, Jr. of Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Cushman enjoyed the car for six years before selling it to Raymond N. Skilton, a hockey player from Cambridge. Skilton's tenure with the car was marked by a high-speed accident in 1919, where the car flipped multiple times. Despite the severe crash, the car was promptly repaired, though it required a replacement chassis due to the original frame's damage.
Over the decades, the Mercer changed hands multiple times, eventually being acquired by Dan Williams of Dallas, Texas, in 1959. Williams undertook a significant restoration project, enlisting the help of fellow Mercer enthusiast Ralph Buckley. The restoration included the fitment of new fenders and hood panels, ensuring the car's return to its former glory.
The Mercer Raceabout's history is meticulously documented, with invoices and correspondence detailing its journey through the years. It has been a fixture in vintage car circles, participating in Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) events and local parades. The car even spent a brief period on display at the Texas Museum of Automotive History.
Now, after 65 years of single-family ownership, this iconic piece of automotive history is coming to market for the first time. The Mercer 35-J Raceabout is not just a car; it's a symbol of early American innovation and a testament to the enduring appeal of classic automobiles.
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