To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Cliveden House event, 8 July 2025.

• Supplied new by Bostonian dealer G W Canterbury for Mr and Mrs Francis L Swift
• Powered by the correct-type 563 cubic-inch (9.2-litre) six-cylinder engine
• An extremely rare Brass Era American automobile
• Formerly part of the Ralph Powers Auto Museum in Connecticut

Please note this car is titled as 1915.

Founded in 1907, the Simplex Automobile Company was based out of New York City and offered high-end cars for clients seeking only the best in automobile design. Meanwhile, the Crane Motor Company was established in 1912 by engineer Henry Crane in Bayonne, New Jersey. In late-1914, Simplex had taken note of Crane’s engineering prowess and acquired his concern with the sole purpose of having him run the operation. Crane became Vice-President and an engineer for the Simplex Automobile Company.

In 1915, Crane’s presence was felt swiftly, when the new Crane-Simplex Model 5 was launched. These cars were produced in New Brunswick, New Jersey from 1915 to 1920 with only 121 being completed. All were powered by a massive, finely engineered six-cylinder engine cast in two blocks of three, producing over 100 horsepower and immense torque. It was one of the best-engineered and most expensive American cars of its day. Prices started at $5,000, over 10 times what Henry Ford asked for his Model T Runabout in 1916. Model 5s are often referred to as the “American Silver Ghost” because their engineering was conservative but beyond reproach in quality. While most cars were bodied by Brewster (Crane’s preferred coachbuilder), each example was unique and built to order.

Chassis number 2196 was ordered by Boston dealer G W Canterbury for Mr and Mrs Francis L Swift in January 1916. They were reportedly tall and intended to drive themselves on occasion, resulting in the high roofline and lack of a division window to create more room in the driver's compartment. The body alone was reported to cost $2,150, and by the end of 1916 their Model 5 had been completed.

Believed to have remained in the north-east for the first three decades of its life, chassis 2196 became part of the Ralph Powers Auto Museum in Southington, Connecticut. Registered in the United Kingdom in 2002 and reportedly restored by Neve Engineering when owned by Barclay Dodd, this Crane-Simplex remained in his care until his passing in 2015. The car was then sold and exported to the United States. Acquired by the current owner in 2020, the Model 5 was imported to the Netherlands, where it has remained on static display since as part of a private collection. Please note, this vehicle would benefit from servicing prior to being driven.

Having seen little use over the past decade, this wonderful 1916 Crane-Simplex Model 5 Double Enclosed Drive Limousine awaits the next chapter in its story and represents the highest standard of American engineering and automotive design from the Brass Era.

Please note this lot has entered the UK on a temporary import bond, which must be cancelled either by exporting the lot outside of the UK on an approved Bill of Lading with supporting customs documentation or by paying the applicable VAT and import duties to have the lot remain in the UK.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/ch25/.