Car & Classic Dealer

Hyman Ltd Classic Cars

2310 Chaffee Drive, St. Louis, Mo. 63146

63146

1912 AMERICAN UNDERSLUNG SCOUT ROADSTER For Sale

1912 AMERICAN UNDERSLUNG SCOUT ROADSTER
The American Automobile Company of Indianapolis, Indiana, was founded in 1906, and in their brief eight-year history, produced a variety of cars, although none are more highly regarded or memorable as their revolutionary Underslung models. The innovative chassis design of the Underslung had the axles set over the frame rails, resulting in a distinctly sporty appearance, low center of gravity, and necessitating the signature oversized wheels. The clever chassis design is attributed to Fred Tone, though some have mistakenly credited another young engineer and American Automobile Company employee, one Harry C. Stutz. Stutz did work for the firm in its early days, and he designed their conventional line of cars, though he left in 1907. Like many manufacturers of their day, American Auto Co. vehicles rapidly grew in size and stature, and by 1911, their portfolio included powerful 50 and 60-horsepower engines in the Underslung chassis. Unfortunately, the high price of these models limited sales, and they never met expectations of management. By 1914, the company was bankrupt, and its assets were sold. Although they’re just a minuscule blip on the radar screen of automotive history, American Underslungs have long been prized by motoring celebrities – Captain Larz Anderson bought one new, and the Underslung was one of Briggs Cunningham’s first and most prized antique automobiles.

For the 1912 model year, American simplified their range into three models – the Traveler, Tourist, and Scout. The Scout was strictly a two-passenger affair with sporty and rakish roadster bodywork. Priced at $1, 250, it was the most affordable of the line, but even that was not enough to save the firm, and the doors were shut just two years later. This stunning Model 22 Scout is believed to be the only surviving 1912 example extant and is well-known among marque enthusiasts. While its earliest history has yet to be discovered, Walter Seeley included it in the roster of known American Underslungs he compiled for the July-August 1972 issue of Antique Automobile. At that time, Seeley noted that the car had been previously restored and was owned by Mr. L. Stillwell. In 2008, it joined the most recent owner’s prestigious collection, and was shortly thereafter meticulously disassembled and taken down to bare metal for a concours restoration.

Refinished in white with black accent lines, a crimson chassis, and an array of highly polished brass accessories, this Scout is positively stunning. Upon completing the restoration, it was shown at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in 2013, and the Ault Park Concours in 2014, where it earned Best in Class. The detailing is exquisite, and it features beautifully restored Gray & Davis lamps, Prestolite acetylene generator, Warner speedo, rear-mounted spare, and the radiator is adorned with a brass “THE AMERICAN” emblem and magnificent soaring eagle mascot. A digital file containing over 1, 000 photos of the restoration will accompany the sale.

Beneath the hood sits a 22. 5-horsepower inline-four displacing 199 cubic inches. It is beautifully detailed with a correct Rayfield updraft carburetor, period-correct fittings, plumbing, and wiring. While it is the smallest engine in American’s 1912 line, it pairs perfectly with the compact and nimble Scout chassis, making this perhaps one of the earliest examples of a purpose-built sports car in the US motoring industry.

Beautifully restored and detailed with jewel-like precision, this positively splendid American Underslung Scout is a highly sought-after collector piece that would be at home in virtually any prominent collection and a welcome sight on concours lawns worldwide.



Offers welcome and trades considered



$225, 000
STOCK NUMBER 7020
For immediate assistance please call us at +1-the details below

This advert has now been removed through sale or otherwise.
Please see the list below for similar live adverts.

Similar Adverts

Hispano Suiza 2T4 bus BAÑADERA in original condition, engine running, it is in original condition, the wood floors are affected, it is sold as a restoration project, it is a 24-seater convertible bus, three rows of seats and the driver with a passenger, it has the arched original wooden deck in perfect condition, the ...

26 Mar 2024
Spain
Verified Dealer (see stock)

We have for sale this rare and strange Charron 14 hp from 1912, a car is its original state, and totally resistant over the years, the car retains the original registration, this car if you wish you can visit it, just request it, too we can ship anywhere in the world.

2,000
24 Mar 2024
Spain
Verified Dealer (see stock)

Year 1912 full restored Only 2000 units built, the first FIAT chain built by FIAT. Great opportunity for a museum, completely original and in participant in vintage car rally until 1915 in the city of Bilbao, (Spain). perfect working order perfect condition worldwide shipping possible

17 Mar 2024
Spain
Verified Dealer (see stock)

Beautiful rebuilding of Ford Model T racing, "RACER" 1912 totally in perfect condition, without any restriction to circulate, listed as a historical vehicle, it can be used daily, a very nice recreation worthy of a museum. Worldwide shipping possible.

2,000
8 Mar 2024
Spain
Verified Dealer (see stock)

Overland - 59 T - 1912 Can be picked up in: Spain - with Spanish registration - 18588 kilometers - In good condition Overland 59 T Roadster from 1912 in very good condition. Car in perfect condition, very careful. Recently restored bodywork, with the inclusion of the original rear seat, which was missing. Powerful ...

20,000
7 Mar 2024
Spain
Verified Dealer (see stock)