1915 Simplex Crane Model 5 Tourer: Pinnacle of the American Brass Era

The 1915 Simplex Crane Model 5 Tourer was one of the most luxurious and exclusive American automobiles of the Brass Era. Built by the Simplex Automobile Company in New Brunswick, New Jersey, it was powered by a massive 9.7-liter (597 cubic inch) inline-six engine producing around 110 horsepower — an enormous output for the time.

Renowned for its exceptional engineering, superb craftsmanship, and elegant proportions, the Crane Model 5 was favored by wealthy industrialists and sportsmen who desired both high performance and supreme comfort. The Tourer body style featured graceful lines, large wooden-spoke wheels, and an open design ideal for long-distance touring.

With a price tag that rivaled the finest European marques, the 1915 Simplex Crane Model 5 represented the pinnacle of American luxury motoring before World War I. These striking photos beautifully capture the commanding presence, refined proportions, and undeniable prestige of the 1915 Simplex Crane Model 5 Tourer, a true symbol of American automotive excellence in the early 20th century.