This Simplex must
not be confused with the Mercedes-Simplex or the
American Simplex. This car resulted from the
desire of Smith and Mablet, the US importers of
Fiat, Renault, Panhard and Mercedes marques, to
produce the best car that could be built in
America. The cars were designed by Edward
Franquist and built entirely in Smith and
Mablet's seven story factory in New York. Simplex
were reputed to offer the last American cars to
use chain drive in 1914.
The first issue
Yesteryear model was produced in a lime green
colour. This was soon changed to mid green and is
the colour of the more common variations. Most of
these issues have a smooth tan roof but slightly
scarcer issues have a textured roof. From 1970
until 1973 the model was issued with a dark gold
body with a metallic dark red chassis and a black
roof. All three main colour variations are shown
in the picture.
As with some other
models in the Yesteryear range, the roofs of
early issues were attached to the body. However
to aid production, this method was changed by
affixing the roof to seat pins so the seat and
roof could be attached as one assembly.
Most issues can be
found at swapmeets for between £15 and £30. The
most sought after model is the lime green issue one
which is usually only slightly more expensive
than the more common issues.
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