The Stanley
Motor Carriage Company was in operation from 1902 through 1924. During the
early years of the internal combustion engine, Stanley took advantage of consumers’
familiarity with steam power. They were capable of impressive performance,
actually holding the speed record for the fastest mile in an automobile from
1906 through 1911. Further confidence in the internal combustion engine and their
lower costs eventually led to the demise of the steam powered automobile. Today
these cars are revered for their ingenuity, unique designs and rarity off all
the early automobiles.
Presented
here is a 1922 model Steamer Express Wagon. Held as part of a large collection
of steam powered vehicles for many years, it was recently acquired by LMC. This
rugged pickup style steam powered automobile shows to be in quite solid
condition with the steel frame work and wooden body work finished in green with
yellow fenders in quite good form. Simply pushing the vehicle results in a
build up of pressure in the system, showing that it is still capable of
functioning, although given the extreme pressures they produced, a thorough
tune up would be effort well spent. From the wooden spoke wheels, wooden body
with steel fenders and hood to the heavy duty steel chassis, this is a true
example of how things were done in the early times of the automobile. An
incredible piece of transportation history ready to be enjoyed and impress
crowds for years to come.
