Lot Number: 792: Sat. 6:00-8:00 pm
Year: 1907
Make: American
Model: Underslung
Item Description: Dark Red, Black accent/Black leather; RHD. Dual ignition 477 cubic inch L-head inline four, 3-speed, White tires, rear
brakes, Royal spotlight on cowl, Solar headlights, luggage trunk, dual rear spares. Great cars are not manufactured by mistake. Instead they are the result of an intense engineering effort combined with fine craftsmanship. One company that truly exemplified how good a car could be was the American Motor Company of Indianapolis, Indiana. With model names like Scout, Tourist, and Traveler, American attempted to conjure up images of grandeur in motoring. Also available from American was the Underslung Roadster, a vehicle that used a somewhat unusual chassis layout for the era. The primary difference between the Underslung and its competitors was that axles were actually suspended from the frame, creating a motorcar that was closer to the ground than any other car of the day. The extreme height of many brass era cars caused major concerns about tipping over around corners, and this chassis arrangement allowed the company to advertise the advanced safety enhancement made by its lowered profile. Company ads proudly proclaimed that the Underslung could ride a 55 degree angle before tipping over thereby besting the average contemporary car by a full 12 degrees, which American claimed flipped at 43 degrees. In 1907, an Underslung Roadster was put to the test by an American Motor Company sales agent named W.A. Frederick from Lowell, Massachusetts. Frederick covered a mile in 45 seconds, a fairly respectable speed for the day. The American Motor Company then went on to enter the Underslung Roadster in several competitions, but a lack of power sidelined the Underslung as it was outrun by the famed Stutz and Mercers racecars of the day. Although the American was a great car, fate would not be kind and the company found itself in bankruptcy by 1914. After manufacturing 45,000 cars, this once proud and exquisite automobile was relegated to the pages of history.
The chance to own one of these fine roadsters of yesteryear is perhaps as rare as the car itself. This Underslung, which is one of only six prototypes ever built, utilizes a massive 476.5 cubic-inch four-cylinder T-head engine that features a sound like no other. Finished in a dark red with black accents and a black leather interior, this American Underslung wears its brass eagle on the radiator with pride. Prospective buyers should look this offering over closely in order to truly appreciate its unique place in automotive history. 50/60hp Roadster. S/N 1402 Estimated value $400,000 - $600,000 |
