Jay Leno Sails on Original Inshore Yacht: 1916 Crane Simplex Model 5 Holbrook Skiff

The term "land yacht" is often thrown around when discussing large American vehicles, but the 1916 Crane Simplex Model 5 Holbrook Skiff featured in the latest episode of "Jay Leno's Garage" was actually named after a type of watercraft It is one of the few vehicles that is actually named after a type of watercraft.

A skiff is a small boat with a flat bottom, square stern, and pointed bow, but this Crane Simplex is a bit more elaborate. Typical for the time, it is a luxury vehicle featuring a coach-built body (made by Holbrook of New York). In this case, the bodywork has a nautical theme, with ship-shaped air intakes, propellers, and a motor yacht-like cowling around the passenger compartment.

Simplex began as a steam engine manufacturer and shifted to automobiles in the 20th century, merging in 1915 with the Crane Motor Car Company of New Jersey, founded by engineer Henry Middleton Crane.

The car was powered by a 110-horsepower 563.7 cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine, which Leno said was basically a copy of the Rolls-Royce engine of the day. The carburetors look like steampunk art. The Crane Simplex was also equipped with novel features such as an engine-operated air compressor for tire refilling and a work light (presumably for impromptu street repairs).

The car had enough history to bounce between several large car collections over the decades, including the collection at Harrah's Casino. Leno commissioned Randy Emma, well known for his Duesenberg restorations, to do a full restoration.

Crane Simplex was one of many defunct brands that quickly came and went in the early years of the auto industry. For the full story on this obscure piece of history, watch the video.