£4.03m
The Eleonora Sears Simplex Purchased new by Harold Vanderbilt for Eleonora Sears, Ex-Charles Chayne 1912 Simplex 50HP 5 Passenger Torpedo Tourer
Bonhams • US • 27 Jan 2023
Market Position:
World Record
Track live values and receive listing alerts
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£4,028,854
The Eleonora Sears Simplex Purchased new by Harold Vanderbilt for Eleonora Sears, Ex-Charles Chayne 1912 Simplex 50HP 5 Passenger Torpedo Tourer
US • 27 Jan 2023
Vehicle Details
AI Listing Summary
This 1912 Simplex 50HP Torpedo Tourer, originally owned by Eleonora Sears and later Charles Chayne, is a unique example of pre-war American sporting cars. Boasting original coachwork by JM Quinby and a meticulously engineered restoration, it represents a rare opportunity for collectors.
Condition
8
While the car has undergone restoration and boasts significant historical provenance, its age and previous use suggest it may not be in absolutely pristine condition. However, the extensive work done by GM and later restorers indicate it's likely in excellent mechanical and cosmetic order.
/ 10
LHD
United States
1912
Auction
£4.03m
The Eleonora Sears Simplex Purchased new by Harold Vanderbilt for Eleonora Sears, Ex-Charles Chayne 1912 Simplex 50HP 5 Passenger Torpedo Tourer
Bonhams • US • 27 Jan 2023
Market Position:
World Record
Track live values and receive listing alerts
Description
597.2ci T-Head, 4-Cylinder
Engine (5.75" bore x 5.75" stroke) 50 horsepower ALAM rated 4-Speed Transaxle With 1.97:1 Final Drive by Dual Chains Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring Suspension Inboard Transaxle Mounted Drum Brakes and Rear Axle Drum Brakes *Unique example of the pinnacle of American pre-war sporting cars *Owned for over 25 years by Eleonora Sears America's greatest pre-war sportswoman *Matching numbers, dual-chain drive and desirable short-stroke specification *Original coachwork with faultless, dramatic styling *Performance surpassing most cars made decades later SIMPLEX The collector car hobby is now in its ninth or perhaps tenth decade with roots going back as early as the 1920s.
Few cars have the distinction of being highly coveted for this entire period of time.
Simplex without question is one of the few cars to have remained a great prize of collecting from day one to the present day.
No car so completely embodies the romance and excitement of this period better than a S...
Price Analysis vs Other 50hps
£433,232
Lowest Price (Since 2020)
£2,188,955
Median Price (Since 2020)
£4,028,854
Highest Price (Since 2020)
World Record
This vehicle has set a new record for the 50hp
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Rare Sale
This vehicle comes to market rarely. In auction records we've only seen 8 sold before
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Previous 50hp Sales
MOT Information
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Auction House Headquarters
Bonhams
101 New Bond Street, London, Greater London, W1S 1SR, England
Operating from London, Bonhams is a physical auction house handling classic, historic competition, and collector cars. They conduct live auctions globally, offering vehicle consignment, appraisal, and valuation services.
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