1917 Crane Model 5 Simplex by Brewster
Ended Jul 28, 2025 at 7:35 PM UTC
Description
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
The Nethercutt Collection is one of America’s finest Automotive Museums and Collections, a masterpiece comprising over 250 perfectly restored American and European motor cars, along with a vast array of rare mechanical musical instruments and precious antique furniture.
Maintaining a classic car collection of this size is never easy, and when it reaches the scale of our collection, it becomes increasingly more challenging. Our founder, J.B. Nethercutt said the following at age 91, “The recognition and preservation of beauty has been a major focus of my life. It would suit me well if what people remembered about me was, ‘Where he went, he left beauty behind.’”
As a result, we have decided to part ways with a small group of cars from the collection and will do so in partnership with our friends at Hagerty Marketplace. Many of the cars we have decided to sell we have owned for in excess of 50 years, or have been in storage, not on display, or represent a tremendous opportunity as a restoration project. They are a compelling mix of pre-war examples that have been thoroughly well-cared for and that will easily find new caretakers who will undoubtedly cherish and use them as intended.
As we say goodbye to this group of cars, we hope the occasion for their sale will introduce us to new collectors and enthusiasts, and we look forward to hosting you at the Museum and Collection in Sylmar, California, in the coming months, years and decades.
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The Simplex Automobile Company built one of the most renowned cars in America prior to World War I. A Simplex finished in 6th place in the first Indianapolis 500. In 1914, Simplex management purchased the Crane Motor Car Company, a company known for its brilliant engineering and responsible for some of the fastest motorboats and most expensive cars during the same time period.
Due to their high price and equally high quality, the cars were often referred to as the “American Rolls-Royce.” A bare chassis cost $7,000.00 in 1917 which might explain why only 116 were built that year. Its clientele included many members of American gentry; the Rockefeller garage in Pocantico Hills housed two touring cars, painted in the “house colors” of maroon with red striping. Power is supplied by a 46hp L-head 563.7 cu-in six-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed manual transmission.
In 1916, the Simplex Automobile Co. was acquired by the Wright-Martin Aircraft Corp. and following America’s entrance into WWI, the factory was used to produce Hispano-Suiza aircraft engines. At the end of October 1917, Wright-Martin announced the end of automotive production after 467 Crane-designed Simplexes had been built. The company went out of business in 1920.
Highlights
Offered from The Nethercutt Collection
The American Rolls-Royce
One of 116 chassis built in 1917
Custom limousine coachwork by Brewster & Co. of New York
CCCA Full Classic eligible for all CARavans and Club events
Restoration project -solid body, very complete
Features
Engine turns freely
Custom aluminum body
7-passenger model with jump seats
Division window
Rear privacy shades
Interior intercom system
Spring-loaded bumpers
Dual sideview mirrors
Dual side-mounted spare tires
Wood artillery wheels
Electric tail and headlamps
Full instrumentation
Courtesy lights
Nickel trim
Bosch starter
Electric Klaxton horn
Known Imperfections
Magneto and generator missing
Ownership History
Acquired from Art Austria, Los Angeles, California (1971).
From Cameron Richards, Vice President of The Nethercutt Collection: “This massive Simplex is one of the finest automobiles money could buy when it was introduced. This enclosed limousine is a great opportunity to have a large touring vehicle for you and the entire family. ”
Additional Notes
A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.
Contact: Donnie Gould Phone: 954.647.0779 email: dgould@hagerty.com
All auction listings on Hagerty Marketplace are created using information provided by the seller. The Marketplace team and the seller have reviewed all information for accuracy to the best of their abilities. Bidders are ultimately responsible for conducting their own due diligence before placing a bid, including verifying details, condition, registration requirements, and compliance with applicable laws. For any questions or additional information, contact the seller.
1917 Crane Model 5 Simplex by Brewster · No reserve
