$4.8 Million 1912 Simplex 50HP Quinby Torpedo Tourer

A rare dark green 1912 Simplex 50 HP (Model 50) 5-Passenger Torpedo Tourer with coachwork by J. M. Quinby & Co. arriving at and leaving the 2023 Holiday Motor Excursion presented by the Horseless Carriage Club (HCCA) of Southern California. This car, chassis no. 50-12-834, was originally purchased by Harold Sterling Vanderbilt as an engagement gift to tennis champion Eleonora Randolph Sears, who drove it to a VMCCA (Vintage Motor Car Club of America) meet in 1939 and received a silver trophy. It was purchased by its current owner for over $4.8 million at the 2023 Bonhams Scottsdale auction and displayed at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it won Second in Class (Antique).

You know you're cool when your car has less power than a Mitsubishi Mirage but is worth enough to make most hypercars seem like a bargain. There's no doubt old cars can become collectibles and increase in value over time. But nearly $5 million for a century-old horseless carriage? That should leave no doubt that you're looking at something truly special. The Simplex was both expensive and fast for its time and was known for its success in endurance racing. This example still has its original coachbuilt body and also benefits from celebrity ownership. And something about dark green combined with brass and wood is just irresistibly beautiful. Best of all, its new owner doesn't let its price tag and historical significance stop him from putting miles on it!

Would you drive this rare Simplex on the street today? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!