Vanderbilt Cup Races

This photograph is one of my personal favorites that Richard Weir provided to us. I think it’s clear that the 1910 Simplex Speed Car Model 50 was one of Weir’s favorite cars in Henry Austin Clark Jr.’s collection — he photographed this car more than any other at the museum. But before I jump in on the 1910 Simplex (featured front and center), I want to share what I have learned about the panel van in the background of this shot.

1911 Brush Model M Delivery

This 1911 Brush Model M acted as a rolling billboard for the Long Island Automotive Museum. With eye-catching lettering in gold and red (that gave a 3D effect to the words, depending on the angle) and a green and red two-tone paint job, Austin Clark must have known this van would draw a lot of attention as it drove around the streets of Southampton, New York. Notice there are no headlights mounted on the front. Interestingly, headlights were an optional extra on this vehicle at the time. When Austen Clark restored the Brush Model M, he must have chosen not to add headlights, keeping it as it was in its original state

I am excited to report that as recently as last month, this 1911 Brush Model M was rediscovered and posted for sale with an asking price of $18,000. 

Thanks to the AACA forms for posting this new discovery! 

As you can see, it hasn’t changed much since its time as a museum car, though it does carry a slight patina. Hopefully, it will foster some great memories for whoever decides to buy it. 

1910 Simplex Speed Car Model 50

Henry Austin Clark Jr. had a deep passion for unique antique cars, especially ones that are essentially race cars manufactured for and purchased by the general public. This Simplex is no exception — it literally has “speed car” as part of its model identification.

In this passenger side profile photo from Weir, we can get a sense of the incredible amount of interesting automotive memorabilia that decorated the walls of the Long Island Automotive Museum. While it may be difficult to make out, there is a familiar corner of the 1907 Thomas Flyer “Race Around The World” winner display. In this image we also see two oil and fluid catch trays on the ground. These kinds of items would have been in great supply around the museum, as they are almost always needed to catch drips during the care, keeping and driving of antique vehicles.

The last of the three images that Weir took of the 1910 Simplex feature the beautiful engine under the hood. The 4-cylinder, T-Head engine design carried 50 HP. On the bottom left of the photo, notice the storage pump on the driver’s side rocker panel.

We featured the 1910 Simplex in a previous mystery photo. Seen here is the actor Gary Cooper in the driver’s seat with Henry Austin Clark, Jr. as his passenger.

The postcard here shows the 1910 Simplex Speed Car after Austin Clark restored it and painted it red. The restoration took place sometime after 1960. 

Another postcard showing the 1910 Simplex after its restoration. 

Henry Austin Clark Jr. is seen in the driver's seat with a friendly dog as his co-pilot on the running board.

Unfortunately, I could not find any updated information on where this 1910 Simplex Speed Car Model 50 is today. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s hiding inside a private collection and hasn’t been seen publicly or even noted as a car once owned by Henry Austin Clark Jr. This magazine advertisement for the Long Island Automotive Museum makes it clear, in my opinion, that this particular car meant a lot — not only to Austin Clark, but to visitors of Clark’s museum.

Stay tuned for more articles showcasing unseen photos of the Long Island Automotive Museum. If you have any additional information on cars that were discussed in this article, please comment below.