Just finished a mechanical rebuild on this Simplex that is the same type of many that were successfully raced in the 1908-'15 period. This car is capable of about 90 MPH with the larger front sprockets that were fitted to it. If you would like to learn more about the rebuild and the newly machined bronze-backed and babbitted main, rod, and cam bearings made for the engine, along with newly cast and machined brake drums, follow the link at the end of the video to see a ten-part feature of the rebuilding.
The driving experience...I am always amazed at the amount of preparation for heading out on the open road some of these vintage racers require. They were different times indeed...Gives me a bigger appreciation for hopping in turning the key popping it into gear and go. Even the ole Hotrod has an elevated preparation but quite minimal when compared to these old beasts. Looks like a lot of fun regardless.
^^ That's why they took along a riding mechanic. To get it running, keep it running, and fix it when it stopped running. They did some magnificent things with machinery 100 years ago, when cars were in their infancy but it took a lot of development, to make cars reliable and easy to drive.
I really enjoyed the video! I love these old engines with their guts exposed; you can really get the mechanical nature of them. If anyone has the idea that this may be O/T, look at that dropped front axle; that would look good on an old hot rod. It's obvious the dropped axle wasn't developed in California!
Absolutely glorious video of an early speed machine! Low revs lots of torque, and a great sound with the cut out open. I help out at a private collection, and have truly learned to appreciate the pioneers of the automobile industry. KK
Great to see you back T-Head!!! Got to work on a Simplex Touring years ago in Schwenksville, PA- they are fantastic automobiles
Great video! I love the fact that you actually had to know what made the vehicle run before you took it down the road. Jim
Appreciate you sharing this, bring home how much progress was made in the fist 50 years after the Simplex (Think 1967 Pontiac for instance) compared to 1967 to now. It's mostly electronic progress. (My 2 cents). Thanks, again.
Mac, have not had the time to stop by very often due to running The Old Motor and because the shop has been filled with early racing cars that need work for the last several years. Yes, as you learned working on that car the Simplex is a very well built early car.
man that was a big car too.....talk about man handling it.....thanks for sharing...but....I do have a dash kinda like that....thought it was an early airplane dash.....
T-head : I know that you are pressed for time! If you were to get a break, how 'bout pictures of some of those racecars you're working on? (Assuming the owners are willing to share pictures, of course!!) After all Josh Shaw is NOT the only one here who "joneses" on old racecars!! (said Captain Obvious)
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