Developed in 1910, the 1911 Type-35R Raceabout, a stripped-down, two-seat speedster, designed to be "safely and consistently" driven at over 70 mph (110 km/h), was capable of over 90 mph (140 km/h).

Apr 8, 2022 · Mercer was just hitting its stride in 1913 as it transitioned from the Type 35-R to something even racier. We’ll consider that and more events in this episode of the Mercer story. Hang on to your seat!

Mar 25, 2022 · Few cars captured the mojo of the early speedster movement better than did the Mercer. Although it got a late start in 1910, Mercer quickly grabbed at the ring and rode it to fame and notoriety. In this first of two episodes, we look at the Gen-1 Raceabouts through 1914.

Mar 28, 2018 · Many believe the Mercer Raceabout to be one of the finest sportscars ever built. The road to first place in the 1914 International Grand Prix I in Santa Monica for Mercer is a fascinating and winding one, with stops in Europe and even aboard the Titanic.

The 1910 line up included a speedster, toy tonneau and touring all powered by a 4 cylinder L-head engine. In 1911, Mercer introduced a T-headed Raceabout. The car was designed by C.G. Roebling’s son, Washington A. Roebling III and was engineered by Finley Roberston Porter.

Nov 29, 2018 · These types of speedsters, including the Mercer Raceabout, flourished from approximately 1904-1915. They were often dual-purpose, built to drive on streets but also compete at the track. 1911 Mercer Type 35R Raceabout courtesy AACA Library.

Its 60 horsepower at 2,000 rpm doesn’t sound like much, but those huge cylinders pumped out immense torque, sufficient to propel the 2,300-pound speedster with alacrity. Mercer Raceabouts were guaranteed to do a mile in 51 seconds.

Oct 1, 2024 · Its large four-cylinder T-head engine and well-balanced chassis combine to make the low-slung Raceabout a competent roadgoing automobile that was also successful at the race track, winning five of the six races that Mercer entered in 1911.

Jul 24, 2015 · In 1914, a Mercer won the American Grand Prize, at the time the most prestigious long-distance road race in America, and averaged 77 mph over the 403-mile course. Mercer was the first American...

The Mercer Raceabout Model 35J T-head was constructed from 1913 through 1914. Under the hood was a 300 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine and mated to a Brown %26 Lipe gearbox. In 1911 and 1912, there were three speeds. Beginning in 1913, a four-speed unit was offered with a multiple-disc clutch.