Built by racers for competition, the Mercer Type 35 Runabout is one of the most popular brass era cars.

The Petersen Automotive Museum has a great number of historic cars from all eras, undoubtedly, the one that seems to draw the attention of most racers is the 1913 Mercer Type 35-J Raceabout. With a full provenance to support the car, which is considered the most original Mercer Type 35-J in existence today, the Mercer Type 35 is one of the most sought after and cherished brass era cars. Much of the design work was done by racers with a focus on winning in competition. These were typically stripped-down versions of a two-seater vehicle, in an age when cars did not have a lot of luxuries, that could drive fast for a  long haul – like a 300 mile road race.

Brass fittings, like the hand fuel pump, brake lever handles, horn and carriage lights, are perfect examples of what made the brass era cars great.

The Petersen’s Type 35-J was originally delivered to Mr. and Mrs. John F. Gray in New York by the Whiting Motor Company, where it served the family for over 30 years. Spending much of its time in Del Mar, California, the Mercer was finally retired and its tires were donated to the war effort during WWII. Car collector Herbert Royston bought the car in 1943 and maintained the old Mercer through the mid-1970s when it was sold to legendary race car driver and American champion, Phil Hill. Hill had a classic car restoration company with partner Ken Vaughn, where the car was again maintained by the best in the business.

The Mercer Runabout ended up in the hands of Margie and Robert E. Petersen, where it holds a special place in their collection. Now on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California, where enthusiasts can be treated to the extensive use of brass and competitive design nature of this glorious machine. While most of the 60 horsepower, five-liter Raceabouts cost roughly $1,950 new, this particular one is documented at a high of $2,500 when delivered.

It is rare to find the Mercer Runabouts with original fenders.

1913 Mercer Type 35 J Raceabout Specs

• Engine Inline-4 (with T-Head)
• Position: Front Longitudinal
• Aspiration: Natural
• Valvetrain: Two valves per Cylinder
• Displacement: 298.0 ci
• Bore: 4.37 inches
• Stroke: 5.0 inches
• Horsepower: 56 bhp @ 1900 rpm
• Drive wheels: RWD
• Body / Frame: Steel over Steel Chassis
• Front brakes: None
• Rear brakes: Drums with contacting shoe on driveshaft
• Front suspension: Rigid axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, Hartford friction shock absorbers
• Rear suspension: Rigid axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, JM dampers
• Weight: 2240 pounds
• Wheelbase: 108.0 inches
• Front track: 56.0 inches
• Rear track: 56.0 inches
• Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
• Top speed: 77.0 mph

Driver’s windscreen and controllable driving light for running long races are two of the features that made the Type 35 Runabout the most desired vehicle of the decade.