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Simplex Automobile Company
The Simplex Automobile Company was formed in 1907 to take over the manufacturer of the S & M Simplex. The Simplex was an American luxury Brass Era automobile manufactured from 1907 to 1918. Headquartered with a manufacturing plant in New York City, manufacturing from 1912 was in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The Simplex Crane Model 5 was commonly called Simplex-Crane and Crane-Simplex. The Crane-Simplex Company of Long Island, New York, was an attempt in 1922 to revive the brand but closed after only a few chassis were built.
The Smith & Mabley Manufacturing Company of New York City was established by Smith & Mabley, Inc., to manufacturer automobiles in 1904. The S & M Simplex was a luxury car designed by Chief Engineer Gustav Edward Franquist who was influenced by European designs. With an impending bankruptcy, Smith & Mabley, Inc., sold their automobile manufacturing company and plant to their friend Herman Broesel, Sr., in March 1907 Broesel established the Simplex Automobile Company, capital of $2,000, to take over from Smith & Mabley Manufacturing Company and set up a salesroom at 12 West 23rd Street.
Textile importer Herman Broesel, Sr., brought on board his sons Herman Broesel, Jr., and Carl Broesel who shared a passion for automobile and motor boat racing. Wilbur C. Whitehead was appointed President. Edward Franquist's services were retained.
In January 1908, it was announced that Palmer & Singer would be the sole selling agents for Simplex Automobiles, and C. M. Hamilton, former Simplex salesman, would be joining the firm. The sales room was located in Palmer & Singer’s new building at 1620 Broadway. J. M Quinby & Company continued to be the main coachbuilder for Simplex. Palmer & Singer introduced their own line of cars with the separate Simplex Model 50 offered at $5,750 (equivalent to $206,042 in 2025), being the leader of their line.
For 1909 the Simplex 50hp model remained the main offering. A new, more powerful Simplex was the G. E. Franquist designed 90hp model, that could reach speeds of 90mph. In 1909 American-La France of Elmira, contracted for Simplex 50-hp chassis and engines for their firefighting equipment.
By 1910, the Simplex sales office was located at 1860 Broadway, New York City, and the factory continued to be located at 614 East 83rd Street. Wilbur C. Whitehead retired from the presidency of Simplex Automobile in 1910 to devote his energies to contract bridge.
Simplex engines powered the Dixie series motor boats which won the Harmsworth Cup four times between 1907 and 1911. Clinton H. Crane was the designer of the Dixie and Simplex series of motor boats. His brother, Henry M. Crane, was involved with Edward Franquist in engine design. Franquist built motor boat engines up to 8-cylinders but Henry Crane did as well.
Simplex actively competed in races and hill-climbs usually with top results. Simplex won the 24 Hour Race at Brighton Beach in 1908 with drivers George Robertson and Frank Lescault. In July 1909, Simplex again won the Brighton Beach 24 Hour race with drivers George Robertson and Al Poole. George Robertson won the Fairmount Park race in Philadelphia in 1909 with his 90 h.p. Simplex.
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Simplex Automobile Company
The Simplex Automobile Company was formed in 1907 to take over the manufacturer of the S & M Simplex. The Simplex was an American luxury Brass Era automobile manufactured from 1907 to 1918. Headquartered with a manufacturing plant in New York City, manufacturing from 1912 was in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The Simplex Crane Model 5 was commonly called Simplex-Crane and Crane-Simplex. The Crane-Simplex Company of Long Island, New York, was an attempt in 1922 to revive the brand but closed after only a few chassis were built.
The Smith & Mabley Manufacturing Company of New York City was established by Smith & Mabley, Inc., to manufacturer automobiles in 1904. The S & M Simplex was a luxury car designed by Chief Engineer Gustav Edward Franquist who was influenced by European designs. With an impending bankruptcy, Smith & Mabley, Inc., sold their automobile manufacturing company and plant to their friend Herman Broesel, Sr., in March 1907 Broesel established the Simplex Automobile Company, capital of $2,000, to take over from Smith & Mabley Manufacturing Company and set up a salesroom at 12 West 23rd Street.
Textile importer Herman Broesel, Sr., brought on board his sons Herman Broesel, Jr., and Carl Broesel who shared a passion for automobile and motor boat racing. Wilbur C. Whitehead was appointed President. Edward Franquist's services were retained.
In January 1908, it was announced that Palmer & Singer would be the sole selling agents for Simplex Automobiles, and C. M. Hamilton, former Simplex salesman, would be joining the firm. The sales room was located in Palmer & Singer’s new building at 1620 Broadway. J. M Quinby & Company continued to be the main coachbuilder for Simplex. Palmer & Singer introduced their own line of cars with the separate Simplex Model 50 offered at $5,750 (equivalent to $206,042 in 2025), being the leader of their line.
For 1909 the Simplex 50hp model remained the main offering. A new, more powerful Simplex was the G. E. Franquist designed 90hp model, that could reach speeds of 90mph. In 1909 American-La France of Elmira, contracted for Simplex 50-hp chassis and engines for their firefighting equipment.
By 1910, the Simplex sales office was located at 1860 Broadway, New York City, and the factory continued to be located at 614 East 83rd Street. Wilbur C. Whitehead retired from the presidency of Simplex Automobile in 1910 to devote his energies to contract bridge.
Simplex engines powered the Dixie series motor boats which won the Harmsworth Cup four times between 1907 and 1911. Clinton H. Crane was the designer of the Dixie and Simplex series of motor boats. His brother, Henry M. Crane, was involved with Edward Franquist in engine design. Franquist built motor boat engines up to 8-cylinders but Henry Crane did as well.
Simplex actively competed in races and hill-climbs usually with top results. Simplex won the 24 Hour Race at Brighton Beach in 1908 with drivers George Robertson and Frank Lescault. In July 1909, Simplex again won the Brighton Beach 24 Hour race with drivers George Robertson and Al Poole. George Robertson won the Fairmount Park race in Philadelphia in 1909 with his 90 h.p. Simplex.