Crane-Simplex / Simplex-Crane (United States) - AllCarIndex

Crane-Simplex was an American luxury automobile manufacturer that operated from 1915 to 1924. The company originated from the Simplex Automobile Company, which was established in New Brunswick, New Jersey. In 1915, Simplex acquired the assets of the Crane Motor Car Company, leading to the formation of Crane-Simplex. The company later relocated to Long Island City, New York, in 1920.

The flagship model of Crane-Simplex was the Model 5, also known as the Simplex-Crane. Designed by engineer Henry Crane, who had previously led the Crane Company, this model represented the epitome of American luxury cars of its time. The Model 5 featured a robust L-head six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 8795 cc and an output of 110 horsepower. The chassis was notable for its size, with a wheelbase of 143 inches and an initial price of $5,000, which increased to $7,500 by 1917 due to the demands of World War I.

Production of the Crane-Simplex ceased in 1917 as the company shifted its focus to support the war effort. During its brief production run, an estimated 475 to 500 units were built. The vehicles were known for their precision engineering and were often customized by renowned coachbuilders such as Brewster and Quinby. Many owners maintained their Crane-Simplex cars for over two decades without significant modifications.

After the war, the company attempted to revive production under new ownership, with Emlen S. Hare acquiring the assets of Crane-Simplex along with those of other luxury brands like Locomobile and Mercer. The restructured company continued to produce vehicles that closely resembled pre-war models, but the high price of $10,000 limited their market appeal. Ultimately, Crane-Simplex became more focused on servicing and rebuilding existing cars rather than manufacturing new ones. Despite its short-lived existence, Crane-Simplex earned a reputation as a prestigious luxury automobile brand, comparable to other high-end manufacturers of the era.