The chassis was available in two lengths: 115 inch for the two-seater models and 130 inch for the versions that could seat four or even six people. Available on the short chassis was a Raceabout body that was still spartan but did include more creature comforts than its famous predecessor.

Chassis 15810 also enjoyed long-time continuous ownership, belonging to the same family for more than 80 years and meticulously maintained. (Photo: Wouter Melissen)

The new Mercer was well received but the internal struggles continued. Delling left in 1916 and all of the original founders had followed suit by 1919. Despite these issues, the 22-70 was continuously developed with detail changes made to create the 22-72 for 1916 and the subsequent 22-73 in 1917.

The process of evolution continued with the Series 4 in 1918 and the Series 5 in 1920. During this period the chassis and engine remained virtually unaltered with the focus clearly on further refining the factory bodies. The Raceabout, for example, came with such amenities as doors and a full-width windshield by 1920.

Delling's L-Head Mercer was finally replaced in 1923 by the Series 6, which used a Rochester-sourced six-cylinder engine and a three-speed gearbox. This represented a further step towards the luxury market and away from the original Mercers that had proven so successful a decade earlier.

Even reviving the Raceabout body for 1925 did not turn the fortunes for the company and the factory was forced to close its doors in 1926. Sadly, Mercer followed in the footsteps of many of the great pioneering manufacturers, succumbing to a combination of misfortune and mismanagement.

For a gallery of photos, see Mercer Raceabout.

Read more stories like this at: The Ultimate Car Page.