1908 American Underslung 50 HP Roadster

American Underslung earned the title of one of the most legendary cars that have been developed in Indianapolis at the time when this city was the center of the Midwest in the auto industry aspect. This iron horse was designed by Fred Tone. It could boast excellent stylish chassis, which gave him a fitting and fashionable design, and thus match the performance of a hard 4-cylinder engine with a T-head.

The owners of the car

American Underslung first of all was in the possession of Emily and Sam Mann’s, in particular, it was Part of the collection in an orange grove in Southern California. This collection was originally assembled by Mr. Lindley Bothwell. He was one of the first admirers of elegant vintage cars in California. Then its collection frequently sparkled in the automotive magazines and today several cars from his collection are still on his ranch. But in the late 1940s Bothwell sold the car to his heir Cameron Peck. He collected a lot of cars in warehouses in Chicago.

In the period from 1949 until 1952, most of the cars from the collection of Peck was eliminated and resold at auctions. As a result of this, John Wallerich became the owner of American Underslung 50 HP Roadster and of several more cars. And this iron horse stayed in Wallerich family owned for over 30 years. Then it became part of the famous collection of Richie Clyne, who was known for his love for the big and fast cars of this era. It is worth noting that Richie Clyne frequently drove this car and showed it to the car shows.

The modernizations of the car

Then Mr. Manns bought it from Clyne and today it is his property. Overall it had four owners and each of them took care of it pretty well. It saved his originality. Thus, it has an original roadster body and has a patina décor throughout. Moreover, its serial number tag is also authentic to the present day. Being in possession of car Mann received a new six wooden wheels, some electronics, and at the same chassis number stay in a very good handling. It is worth noting that this American Underslung 50 HP Roadster is a rare representative of the American cars with original bodywork and motor those survived to this day.

Not so long ago Manns graduated its restoration and deserved the addition of his name in the register of its owners. And today, this car is really fast and powerful. It will perfectly reveal itself on any rides and shows such as Brass Era tours or HCCA.

Photos: RM Sotheby’s

1908 American Underslung 50 HP Roadster