1904 Mercedes Simplex Tourer

Early in the 20th century, automobiles were accessible by only the wealthiest of the wealthy, though like other realms of society at the time, men were almost always seen behind the wheel. By 1905, Willie K. Vanderbilt had already made significant strides in launching the Vanderbilt Cup, the first American international road race, making the family name synonymous with the American racing scene at the time. Willie K. even raced his own Mercedes, the “Red Devil” at this time. The Vanderbilt family, of course, was not a typical family of the time, and the entire family was interested in attractive and high-performance automobiles since they were first seen on the road.  To the shock of the American public, it was 19-year-old Gladys Vanderbilt who made national headlines in perhaps this exact Mercedes, after she was seen driving up Bellevue Avenue right here in Newport with just her mother Alice with her in the car. 

Mercedes represented the absolute gold standard of automobiles in 1905. The company offered five models which ranged from 18/22 horsepower to a 60-horsepower brute. Not only were Mercedes built with the best materials available, but the engineers were also years ahead of their time, quickly recognizing that weight was a direct antagonist of high-performance cars. In turn, Mercedes’ were often substantially lighter than their market competitors which led to higher speeds and a more athletic drive from behind the wheel, both attributes helped enhance the company’s reputation greatly. Of course, great engineering came with quite the cost – a car like this 1904 Mercedes Tourer could cost upwards of $7500 – the price of eight Cadillacs or three Packards!

Driving today is much different than 115 years ago; cars were much more demanding of the driver in 1905, and most roads were still unpaved. Many early autos like this Mercedes were open-top cars and traveling at unprecedented speeds on dusty unpaved roads required protecting one’s hair, complexion, and fine clothing.  A lightweight overcoat adapted from the carriage coats of old aptly called a duster became de rigueur for driving.  Some dusters had protective hoods or could be worn with a veiled hat; driving masks or goggles and gloves would complete the look. 

This 1904 Mercedes Tourer has an interesting history, and we are actively trying to learn more. Chassis #2626 was originally slated for delivery to C.L. Charley, the sole French Mercedes importer who operated out of the “Mercedes Palace” at 70 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris. This is seen on the handwritten ledger that accompanies the Mercedes, though on the ledger, Charley’s name is crossed out and replaced by Allen, Halle & Co., New York. 

From this point, very little history accompanies the car, besides the fact that Tom Watson Jr., son of the IBM founder Tom Watson Sr., donated the car to the Owls Head Museum upon the museum’s foundation in 1984. Watson Jr. was an esteemed member of the New York Yacht Club here in Newport, where we assume he networked with other wealthy socialites of the time, including of course, Willie K. Vanderbilt. While we still are not completely certain, the Audrain museum strongly believes that this 1904 Mercedes Simplex Tourer chassis #2626 is the exact car Gladys Vanderbilt piloted down Bellevue Avenue at the age of 19!

Specifications:

Engine: 5322 cc Inline Four Cylinder 
Horsepower: 32 @ 1000 RPM
Transmission: Four Speed Manual 
Suspension: Rigid Axle, Semi-Elliptical Springs 
Weight: 3637 lbs.

On loan from the Owls Head Transportation Museum, Owls Head, ME