Model A-2. 38 hp, 476.0 cu. in. T-head four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, solid front axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, live rear axle with three-quarter elliptic leaf springs, and two-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 127 in.

• Offered from the collection of George Grew

• America’s luxury sporting car

• Long, verified history

• Outfitted for effortless touring

George Grew was attracted to Simplex by Edgar Roy. Roy, who died in 1995 at age 90, was a talented engineer who worked on the development of the first iron lung and the kidney dialysis machine. He also restored nearly 20 cars during his lifetime, including a beloved 1911 Simplex 50 HP Toy Tonneau he purchased in 1950.

In 1955, after being diagnosed with lateral sclerosis, related to but less aggressive than Lou Gehrig’s disease, Edgar Roy switched to a pursuit that was less physically demanding. He was not, however, timid about his project to build an operating model of his Simplex, in miniature. Having worked out his approach, he decided to go even farther: to construct a working model of each Simplex produced in 1911, from bare chassis to seven-passenger touring, seven models in all. Choosing a one-sixth scale, he worked out all the plans and drawings and made most of the parts himself, even molding the rubber tires. As news of the project spread, Roy became the subject of many news reports and magazine articles, so much so that he was better known for the miniatures than for his full-scale restorations, or for co-founding the Vintage Sports Car Club, or for serving as the president of the Larz Andersen Auto Museum in Brookline, Massachusetts.

George Grew loved Edgar Roy’s Simplex Toy Tonneau and tried to buy it when Roy began to have trouble driving. Roy was understandably reluctant to let go, but Grew was persistent for 30 years, finally making the deal in 1985. He and his wife toured with it extensively, and it is reported that the car “acquitted itself impressively” at the revival hill climbs held on Dead Horse Hill in Worcester, Massachusetts. But Otis Chandler came calling, and calling, and calling. Eventually, in the spring of 1997, George succumbed to Otis’s entreaties and sold him the car.

George suffered severe withdrawal, the only cure for which was to buy another Simplex. By September he had found one, a smaller, 38 horsepower five-passenger touring owned by Bob and Ann Hayes in New Jersey. The car’s history is well known; the Hayes couple purchased it around 1980 from Benny Goldflies, who had acquired it from Connecticut collector David Tunick in 1968. Previous owners included R.D. Morgan in 1957, Alvin B. Storey in 1954, and George French prior to that, resulting in a substantial history that does not often accompany these motor cars.

The 1913 38 horsepower Simplex became the Grews’ show car of choice, and it made the rounds on the east coast and into the Midwest. It completed many revival Glidden Tours and events organized by the Pioneer Auto Touring Club, based in New Jersey. It became his wife Edith’s favorite car, and she loved touring in it with him.

The five-passenger body is by the Holbrook Company, of New York City. Holbrook was formed in 1908, principally to construct bodies for the new Simplex marque, and he continued to do so until the end in 1919. Recognized for formal bodies, Holbrook also supplied such makes as F.R.P. and Owen Magnetic, as well as the likes of the more popular Rolls-Royce, Cadillac, and Pierce Arrow.

The older restoration presents exceptionally well in beige with red leather upholstery and wire wheels. It is specially equipped for touring, with 12-volt electric starting and an alternator. Nearly undetectable to the naked eye is an ingenious and discreet power steering setup, driven by a chain from the engine. Those who have driven it report that it steers like a modern rack-and-pinion system.

The tan canvas top is in good condition, as is the brass-framed windshield. Dashboard instrumentation includes a Warner speedometer and clock, a voltmeter and an ammeter, and switches for the Bosch dual ignition. The car is outfitted with brass Rushmore lighting, an electric Klaxon horn, and Lester 35x5 wide whitewall tires. A set of side curtains is included, housed in a compartment on the back of the front seat.

Shown at the 2009 Newport Concours d’Elegance in Rhode Island, where it won a Class Award, this Simplex has recently been detailed and recommissioned. It is ready to show or tour, offering its new owner as much enjoyment as it gave to George and Edith Grew during their 15-year stewardship.