The Crane-Simplex Model 5 was among the largest, most powerful, and most expensive American automobiles of the interwar era. Comparable in price, quality, and prestige to the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, these grand motorcars were delivered as rolling chassis to be fitted with bespoke coachwork. This Model 5 retains its original seven-passenger touring body by Frederick R. Wood & Sons, a distinguished Manhattan coachbuilder with roots in mid-19th-century carriage making. After producing commercial vehicles at the dawn of the 20th century, the firm transitioned to luxury automobiles, crafting elegant, formal bodies for marques including Rolls-Royce, Mercedes, and Thomas Flyer.

Originally delivered to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, this Crane-Simplex was acquired shortly after WWII by Arthur Homan. Between 1946 and 1950, it was co-owned by Malcolm Thompson and Roger Cutting, who drove it 1,400 miles on the VMCCA’s inaugural Glidden Tour revival. In his classic book Motor Mania, Mr. Cutting reflected, “After the fine trip we had in the Crane-Simplex, she occupied a solid place in our affections.” In 1952, the car passed to collector Joseph Ott of Providence, Rhode Island, remaining in his family’s ownership for 55 years and benefiting from the care of renowned specialists Ralph Buckley and Frank Cooke. Acquired by Stan Lucas in 2007, it was shown at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. This majestic motorcar remains fundamentally unrestored, showing fewer than 17,000 miles and offering exceptional provenance, originality, and historical significance.