1913 American Underslung Scout Roadster - Images, Specifications and Information

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During the first half of the 20th century designers learned that a lower center of gravity greatly benefited a car's handling. A major step forward was adopting the 'underslung' chassis design, which had the axles run above the chassis rails, rather than under. One of the great pioneers of this layout was Reid Railton, who incorporated it most famously in the 'Low Chassis' Invicta of 1930. Invicta were by no means the first company to produce an underslung car in significant numbers. That honour goes to the American Motor Car Company, founded in Indianapolis in 1906.

Among the designers employed by 'American' was the legendary Harry C. Stutz and he has often been credited for creating the 'Underslung' introduced late in 1906. This was not the case; he was responsible for the conventionally sprung machines. The real father of the ground-breaking chassis was in fact Fred I. Tone, who was American's chief engineer. For American the marketing aspect of having the lowest car was much more important than the potential handling improvements although it seems that Tone and his men were aware of them.

The most conventional aspect of the American Underslung was its steel ladder frame chassis. To achieve the desired low 'stance', Tone mounted the semi-elliptic leaf springs upside down on top of the frame. On top of that the two live axles were bolted and the underslung frame was born. In order to protect the delicate mechanics from the rough roads, massive 40 inch wheels were fitted and the engine was mounted higher in the chassis using a separate subframe. Quite in contrast with the advanced chassis design, the four cylinder T-head engines used were very simple and relied on size rather than sophistication for power.

The American Underslung was first shown late in 1906 during the New York Auto Show and offered from 1907 to the public. The two-seater Roadster on show emphasized the car's unusual design by having the front fenders reach all the way up to the top of the radiator. American sales literature was also quick to point out that the lower chassis offered safety benefits as it was less likely to roll over. During the first year of production, the American Underslung came equipped with a 6.4 litre version of the four cylinder engine that produced a competitive 40 bhp. In 1908 a larger, 7.8 litre engine was fitted that initially produced 50 bhp. In later years power was up to 60 bhp.

To put their new machine through the ultimate test one of the 50 bhp Underslung Roadsters was entered in the very high profile Savannah Challenge Cup race. The American was outclassed by the purpose built racing cars, let down mostly by the underpowered engine. It should also be noted that the high mounted engine pretty much negated the advantages of the low chassis. Not surprisingly the Underslung was not raced again by the factory. However the one outing was celebrated with a replica production model, quite ironically dubbed the 'Speedster'. It joined the familiar Roadster and the new Traveler four-seater model in the American line-up for 1909.

Within a few years after the successful launch, it was increasingly difficult for American to find customers for the high quality, but rather expensive Underslung models. In 1912 all conventionally sprung models were discontinued and the company was renamed to 'American Underslung' to further emphasize their unique chassis. In a final attempt to attract new clients, the much smaller 'Scout Roadster' was introduced, while at the same time a six cylinder engine was offered for the bigger cars. It was all for naught as in 1913 the company went into receivership and filed for bankruptcy not much later.

Despite its revolutionary chassis, the American Underslung has long been forgotten. Of the estimated 45,000 constructed only very few examples exist today, which are now rightly coveted by their owners. The unusual cars are rarely offered on the market and when they do, they command prices of up to $400,000. Featured is a great example of the Scout Roadster, which had a 'diminutive' 2.6 litre four cylinder engine. Once owned by legendary collector William Harrah, this Scout was fully restored in 1993. Just over ten years later it was offered the RM Meadow Brook auction where it sold for $115,500. It returned in 2005 to Meadow Brook and was shown in the Concours d'Elegance.