Engine - 476.5 cubic-inch L-head 4-cylinder
Transmission - 4-speed manual
Horsepower - 50 hp at 1,000 rpm
Production -

“The Car for the Discriminating Few”

Crafted by the American Motor Car Company based in Indianapolis, the iconic design of the American Underslung Roadster has captivated collectors. Originally conceived by designer Fred Tone, the vehicle’s innovative features include positioning the front and rear axles above the frame rails, resulting in a sleek and athletic stance. The oversized wheels provided ample clearance for the vehicle's low body to navigate challenging road surfaces. The exceptional handling of the vehicle was a result of its low center of gravity, which also contributed to its visually striking and aggressive appearance. The Underslung is powered by a 476.5 cubic-inch, L-head engine that generates 50 horsepower, allowing the car to reach speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour. Not until 1911 did other automobiles such as the Mercer Raceabout and the Stutz Bearcat match the performance capabilities of the American Underslung. With its impressive power and exceptional cornering abilities, the Underslung could be classified as an early prototype of a sports car, predating the official term for such a vehicle.

The origins of the American Underslung displayed date back to the 1940s, specifically when this car, chassis number 1427, was added to Lindley Bothwell's prominent collection in Southern California. Bothwell, an early player in the field of automobile collecting, was known for his foresight in preserving unique and historically significant vehicles well in advance of his contemporaries - a dedication that began prior to the outbreak of World War II. Mr. Bothwell transferred ownership of the American to car connoisseur D. Cameron Peck in the latter part of the 1940s. As the heir to a substantial dairy business, Mr. Peck devoted himself to amassing an exceptional array of vintage automobiles. Peck later began reducing the size of his collection by selling off his cars through a sequence of notable auctions that took place from 1949 to 1952. During one auction in 1951, John Wallerich from Seattle acquired the 1908 Underslung along with four other vehicles. Wallerich retained ownership of the American Underslung for more than three decades before eventually transferring it to Richie Clyne, who was also a well-known collector with a passion for cars from the Brass Era.

In 2014, this vehicle was showcased at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, where it participated in the largest gathering of American Underslung automobiles ever assembled. Sam and Emily Mann later owned this exquisite example and incorporated it into their remarkable collection of luxury automobiles until it joined the Singleton Collection. It is believed that only 27 American Underslungs still exist, with just four of them being early roadsters such as this one.