1916 Simplex Crane Model 5 TouringThis 1916 Simplex Crane Model 5 Touring sedan is one of the automobile era's earliest gems. This 1916 Simplex Crane Model 5 Touring sedan is one of the automobile era’s earliest gems.

The Simplex cost $7,500 (in 1916 dollars and, at the time I checked, $210,000 in 2023 dollars) when new. It was manufactured by Simplex Automobile Co. Inc. of New Brunswick, N.J. The coachbuilder was C.R. Kimball of Chicago, Ill.

Kimball was the Kimball of piano manufacturing lore.

1916 Simplex Crane Model 5 TouringThis 1916 Simplex Crane Model 5 Touring sedan is one of the automobile era's earliest gems. This Simplex was photographed at The Nethercutt Collection in Sylmar, Calif. Nethercutt said Simplex’s “high performance was legendary.”

Please be aware that cars on display in museums often change due to sales, rotation, loans, maintenance, etc., so be sure to check with the museum to determine what cars are available to view before traveling to Nethercutt.

“The 1916 Simplex Crane Model 5 Touring Car was a remarkable automobile that showcased the engineering prowess of its time,” according to Ask AI. “This luxurious vehicle left an indelible mark on the automotive industry.

“The Model 5 Touring Car boasted a powerful 6-cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 84 horsepower.”

1916 Simplex Crane Model 5 TouringThis 1916 Simplex Crane Model 5 Touring sedan is one of the automobile era's earliest gems. The six-cylinder, L-head engine could sustain 60 hp.

This was remarkable power for a car at that time, which allowed the car to effortlessly cruise along roads ~ often awful for cars ~ of the era, even in hilly terrains.

The well-tuned engine remains a testament to Simplex’s engineering, which ensured smooth and powerful driver and passenger experiences.

The Model 5 Touring Car’s exterior may not seem like much now, but at the time (and for me to this very day), the Simplex exudes elegance and sophistication.

“With its sleek lines, graceful curves and attention to detail, the car caught the eye of passersby wherever it went,” Ask AI notes. “Its refined aesthetics were further enhanced by the use of high-quality materials, including rich leather upholstery and polished wood accents.

1916 Simplex Crane Model 5 TouringThis 1916 Simplex Crane Model 5 Touring sedan is one of the automobile era's earliest gems. “Inside the car, passengers were treated to a level of comfort rarely seen in automobiles of the time. Plush seating, spacious legroom and ample headroom made long journeys a pleasure. The Model 5 Touring Car was also equipped with cutting-edge features, such as electric lighting and a reliable starting system, which were considered luxurious conveniences at the time.”

As many companies have found out throughout history, wars lead to economic catastrophes.

“Despite its many merits, the Model 5 Touring Car had a limited production run,” Ask AI stated. “The outbreak of World War I in 1914 contributed to the decline of luxury automobile sales, and the Simplex Automobile Co. eventually ceased operations in 1917.

“Today, the surviving examples of the 1916 Simplex Crane Model 5 Touring Car are cherished as rare and valuable pieces of automotive history, representing a bygone era of elegance, craftsmanship and automotive innovation.”