A rare, well-preserved 1922 Mercer Raceabout with long-term ownership and low miles heads to auction with $400K–$500K estimate.
One of the most historically significant and best-preserved examples of early American sports car engineering is headed to auction this August, as Broad Arrow Auctions presents a 1922 Mercer Series 5 Raceabout at the Monterey Jet Center. Offered from the esteemed Tom & JoAnn Martindale Collection, the car carries a pre-sale estimate between $400,000 and $500,000.
This particular Mercer Raceabout stands out not just for its rarity, but for its remarkable authenticity. Believed to show just 28,434 original miles at the time of cataloging, the vehicle is regarded as one of—if not the—most original Series 5 Raceabouts known to exist today. Its largely untouched condition offers a glimpse into the craftsmanship and spirit of one of America’s premier sports cars of the early 20th century.
The 1922 Raceabout was the evolutionary successor to the groundbreaking Mercer T-head Raceabout of 1911, a model widely considered the definitive American performance car of the Nickel Era. With its lightweight chassis, minimalist bodywork, and spirited performance, the Mercer Raceabout became a favored choice among gentleman racers and driving purists alike.
Highly sought after by collectors and historians, the Raceabout exemplifies an era when American carmakers were not only keeping pace with but often outperforming their European rivals on the road and track. The car’s placement in the respected Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) as a Full Classic further enhances its desirability and historic value.
The Mercer’s known ownership history, dating back to 1930, and its inclusion in a prominent private collection add another layer of credibility and prestige. For serious collectors, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a near-pristine example of one of America's earliest sports cars, preserved as if frozen in time. See it here.
