The Type 35 Mercer Raceabout is a car collector's dream. Manufacturered in Mercer County, New Jersey, from 1911 to 1915, the Raceabout had a four-cylinder, 300-cubic-inch, T-head engine; a wet multiple-disc clutch; and a three-speed gearbox built by Brown and Lipe. The factory guaranteed a mile in an amazing 51 seconds, but this was thought to be a conservative estimate.

Many famous race drivers of the day, including Ralph DePalma, Barney Oldfield and Eddie Pullen drove Mercers. In 1912, Ralph DePalma won the Santa Monica Road Race 300-cubic-inch class in a Mercer, averging close to 70mph for 150 miles. In 1914, Eddie Pullen won the 301.8-mile Corona Road Race at a speed of 87.76 mph.

New the Mercer Raceabout sold for $2,200. About 500 were made before the factory discontinued production in 1915. Some two dozen of these beauties are still in existence.

This model of the Raceabout features steerable front wheels operated by a simple system of push-pull rods, a mechanism similar to that used in many early automobiles. As an alternative you can also install the front wheels on a straight wire axle to make construction easier. For a solid feel, fill the wheels with salt or craft sand.