The Stanley Steamer
The History of the
Stanley Steamer
There is a certain
romance and nostalgia for a simpler time associated with older model
cars. Steam powered motor cars were some of the earliest cars ever
produced, and yet they retain a certain beauty in both their design
and the way the steam engine powered the car. Designed by the
Stanley brothers, the Stanley Steamer motor car was one of these
early popular steam cars.
Steam has been used as a source of energy for more than one hundred
years before the commonly known internal combustion engines were put
into use. Steam powered locomotive trains across the United States,
revolutionizing travel for the early Americans. Steam carriages, or
motor cars, came into use in the 1890’s, and for awhile enjoyed more
popularity than the gas engines that were on the road at the same
time.
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Throughout the 1900’s, multiple car companies offered steam cars for
sale. These motor cars came with many different special features and
the buyer had multiple options for add-ons to choose from. One thing
steam motor cars all had in common was the quiet steam engine, the
ease of use and maintenance and the sense of safety they provided.
Eventually two twin
brothers turned the steam motor car into a successful business with
the Stanley Steamer Motor Carriage. Their cars were fashioned with
light bodies made of wood and had a very stylish and comfortable
design for the day. People were taken with the simple engine
construction that used minimal moving parts and the driver only
needed to monitor water levels occasionally. It was powered by a
gasoline burner and boiler that created steam pressure, and although
this may sound a bit dangerous, there was never a single case of
explosion in the history of the Stanley Steamer.
The Stanley brothers managed to produce 86 different models, each
with its own variations of style and design. A popular Stanley model
called the Locomobile was the top selling car until 1904. While the
Stanley Steamer was enjoying its heyday, the internal combustion
engine designs were being improved greatly and as a result, the gas
powered car took over the steam car in sales. The motor car owner no
longer needed to use a crank to start the engine with a gasoline
powered car so it was much easier to use as well. The new internal
combustion engines were also capable of higher speeds than the
Stanley Steamer motor car.
In addition, fuel efficiency and the cheaper cost to run and
maintain the gas powered car became major selling points, so that by
around 1917, sales had slowed and the Stanley brothers sold their
company. The Stanley Steamer remains a popular steam car to
collectors, and is nicknamed “The Flying Teapot.”
Copyright Potterton
Steam Engine Society 2010 |