Y7-2 1913 Mercer Raceabout Type 35J

The Mercer Automobile Company was founded in 1910. The early models were aimed towards motor racing. The Type 35 was introduced in 1911 and was Mercer's most famous and successful model. The cars were raced at Indianapolis, and in 1914 Eddy Pullen won the American GP in one.

The Yesteryear model was originally to have replace the Y6-1 AEC Lorry. However the Y7-1 Leyland was discontinued prematurely and so the Mercer was used as a replacement for this model instead. Some preproduction models can be found with the number 6 cast on the baseplate.

The early Yesteryear model appeared in a metallic lilac colour, which has the unfortunate tendency to fade in bright sunlight. In 1965 this colour scheme was replace by one of deep yellow and remained this colour until the model was discontinued in 1967.

Only relatively minor variations exist for this model. Early issues sported black knobbly tyres which were replaced by those having a fine tread. Most issues can be found at swapmeets between £20 and £50 for mint boxed examples.

Very early issues had a gap between the front mudguard and chassis. On the left is issue two which has had this structure strengthened with a single strut. On the right is a later issue with the gap completely filled in.