1913 Regal Model N 'Underslung' Roadster

1913 Regal Model N 'Underslung' Roadster

The Regal Car Company was founded in Detroit in 1907. Paul Arthur was hired to design the car, and the Fisher coachworks of Detroit provided the coachwork. Their vehicle was a medium-priced, medium-sized, conventional vehicle that enjoyed considerable success.

In 1910, the company introduced the Underslung model which sold for $900 for a runabout, and $1,250 for a colonial coupe. Since the bodies were interchangeable, the car with both bodies could be purchased for $1,400.

The first full year of production was in 1908, which saw 425 vehicles sold. Their peak was in 1915, when they had 8,227 sales. Between 1911 and 1918, Regals were imported into the United Kingdom by Seabrook, of Great Eastern Street, London EC2 and sold as 'Seabrook RMC's.

A shortage of materials, due to World War I, contributed to halved production in 1917 and by February of 1918, the company was out of business.

This particular example is an Underslung Model N Roadster. It was discovered by Edward 'Bud' Catlett in 1938. After a half-century of ownership, Mr. Catlett finally parted with his Regal in 1999, when it passed to the current owner. A few years later, the car was given a sympathetic restoration.

This Roadster is powered by a 200 cubic-inch, Side-Valve, 4-cylinder engine fitted with a single carburetor and offering 25 horsepower. It is backed by a three-speed manual transmission, and there are two-wheel mechanical brakes.

Descriptions & pictures by conceptcarz & bonhams & other