THE FIRST SPORTS CAR - 1922 MERCER SERIES 5 RACEABOUT

THIS RACEABOUT HAD AN L-HEAD ENGINE THAT COULD REACH 90 PLUS MPH PRODUCING 70 HP, WITH ITS 298 CID. THESE RUNABOUTS WERE MADE FROM 1915 THROUGH THIS LAST YEAR EXAMPLE IN 1922. MERCERS WERE MADE IN TRENTON, NJ FROM 1910 - 1925. THIS WAS A CAR FOR THE WEALTHY FOR THE SELLING PRICE WAS $2,000 FOR THIS 2,800 POUND CAR. MERCERS WERE RACED FREQUENTLY IN 1911 WINNING 5 OUT OF SIX RACES. THESE MERCERS WERE CONSIDERED THE FIRST SPORTS CAR EVER BECOMING FAMOUS FOR IT'S RACING HISTORY AND EXCLUSIVENESS BECAUSE OF PRICE. MERCER WAS FORCED TO SHUT DOWN IN 1925 FOR FINANCIAL REASONS AFTER PRODUCING 5,000 VEHICLES INCLUDING SEDANS AND LIMOS. NOTICE THE DOUBLE SPARE TIRES MOUNTED OVER THE 25 GALLON FUEL TANK, TROTTLE ON THE STEERING WHEEL, THE GULL WING TYPE FOLDING HOOD, THE MERCER RADIATOR THERMOMETER, AND THE RUMBLESEAT. OF THESE THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES PRODUCED BY MERCER, ONLY 120 OF ALL MODELS EXIST TODAY WITH ONLY ABOUT 100 IN RUNNING CONDITION. SINCE RUNABOUTS WERE PRODUCED FOR ONLY SEVEN YEARS, THIS EXAMPLE IS INDEED A VERY RARE CAR. THE FIRST SPORTS CAR. Another rare car brought to you for your viewing pleasure by 55lincoln.

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[acetow]

there is one of those in the Movie "Go West" with Buster Keaton!

[55lincoln]

@acetow WoW! Haven't seen that movie but apparently you have a good eye. I must see this movie and check the Mercer out. Thanks for your comment.

[raconter1]

Great video, Warren! Mercer was often talked about in Pennsylvania, too...and the overpass on the NJ side across the Delaware River said "What New Jersey makes, the world takes". A car like this would make that very true! :) Jack

[55lincoln]

Glad you enjoyed this. Sometimes I come across a gem like this and can't believe I'm seeing something this rare and restored so well.

[historybuffish]

Wow! This is what I call a rare car! Thanks for posting.

[55lincoln]

Yep, it was a priviledge to see and experience. Thanks for viewing and commenting.

[raconter1]

That's what I like about car shows...you never know who will show up! :) Jack