SOLD

1911 Regal Underslung Race A Bout

In the first decade of the twentieth century, Detroit, Michigan was awash with pioneering automobile manufacturers. Hundreds of different companies tried their hand at the building automobiles, with wildly varying levels of success. Some did not make it past the first few cars, others did not make it past the first year and fewer still made it past World War I. The Regal Automobile Company opened its doors in 1908 and had shown early promise by building quality, mid-sized, conventional cars. In an effort to promote their reliability, a 1909 Regal 30 HP crossed the US continent multiple times, racking up 22,000 miles and attracting plenty of attention in the process.

In 1911, Regal made a dramatic change with the introduction of the Model N. The Model N featured a stylish “underslung” chassis with inverted springs mounted above the frame, giving a low and rakish look, coupled with a two-seat raceabout-style body. With its stylish looks and reliable 4-cylinder engine, the Regal Model N was seen as a “baby Mercer” – a car that cost at least twice that of the Regal. In spite of the success of the highly regarded Model N, The Regal Automobile Company could not withstand rapidly inflating material costs related to World War I, and in 1918 was placed in receivership.

This 1911 Regal Model N Underslung Speedster is believed to be one of only 2 in existence in this specification. It is incredibly correct and has been thoroughly researched by experts to authenticate its details. The monocle plate windscreen, acetylene head lamps, center-mounted spot lamp, and unusual offset-filler fuel tank are all confirmed to be genuine and correct for this car. It has been sensibly upgraded with an electric starter, but otherwise remains totally correct and in excellent condition with pleasing red paint and fine brass work. There is an extensive file with the car including restoration and ownership information as well as a copy of a photo of this car from the 1930’s.

While it officially wears an older restoration, it has since been comprehensively refreshed and now presents in stunning condition. In recent months, the experts at Hyman Limited embarked on an extensive, exhaustive refurbishment to bring this incredibly special car back to freshly restored glory. It was carefully disassembled, all paint work was color sanded and polished, and the bodywork was professionally restriped. The considerable brass trim and fittings were machine polished to a brilliant gloss, and new linoleum fitted to the floor boards. Wood, leather and other fittings have been restored or carefully preserved as needed. Finishing it off is a fresh set of six white tires, correct for the period. Similarly, the engine and chassis have been fully detailed to the same high standard. The results are breathtaking.

This Regal Underslung was featured in a special display of underslung automobiles at the prestigious Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in 2014, and with its recent refurbishment, is surely ready for more concours successes. This is a very rare opportunity to acquire an unusual, fascinating underslung Brass Era raceabout that is absolutely fresh and gorgeous from top to bottom.

 


Sorry this car has been sold. Are you looking to buy or sell a car like this? Contact a representative

For immediate assistance please call us at +1-314-524-6000 or please fill out the following form and a member of our team will contact you.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.