1922 Mercer Series 5 Raceabout
Mercer’s Series 5 represented the company’s first all-new design since its 1910 founding, establishing itself as America’s foremost performance automobile of the late 1910s and early 1920s. Introduced in 1915, the model featured Eric Delling’s sophisticated L-head inline four-cylinder engine displacing 298 cubic inches and producing 70 horsepower, delivering exceptional power and flexibility for the era.
The advanced chassis incorporated live-axle suspension with semi-elliptical leaf springs and shock absorbers, eventually receiving four-wheel mechanical drum brakes as production progressed.
The Raceabout variant embodied the purest expression of sporting intent. Built without doors, roof, or windows, this two-passenger configuration served as the spiritual successor to Mercer’s celebrated T-head Raceabouts of the previous decade.
The factory guaranteed a minimum 75 mph top speed, a remarkable performance that made these cars rare and desirable even when new. Power reached the road through a four-speed manual transmission mounted on a 115-inch wheelbase.
Production continued nearly a decade, cementing the Series 5’s reputation as an engineering landmark. The Raceabout’s minimalist approach prioritized speed and driver engagement over comfort, creating a gentleman’s sports.
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