| Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey Friday, October 10, 2008 |
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| 1911 Stanley Steamer 10 Horsepower Model 63 Toy Tonneau | ||||||||
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C. 1913 double acting, twin-cylinder engine with 20-inch boiler giving approximately 15hp, leaf spring suspension front and rear, hydraulic rear drum brakes. Wheelbase: 104" The activities of the identical twins Francis Edgar and Freeland Oscar Stanley from Maine and later of Massachusetts are sufficient to fill a book, and have recently done so, in a significant sized tome no less, in The Stanley Steamer: America's Legendary Steam Car. The twin brothers initially made their living manufacturing photographic dry plate, first experimenting with the idea of building a steam-powered automobile in 1896. Their initial success led them to set up a plant in Watertown, Massachusetts. After selling their first steam car business in 1899, which had resulted in the Locomobile and the Mobile steamers, F.E. and F.O. started again on their own account in 1901. Following a dispute over patents, they settled on one of the design features that helped define the Stanley Steamer: a horizontal, twin-cylinder, rear-mounted engine driving the back axle through simple spur gears. For 1905, they moved the cylindrical boiler from under the seat to the front of the car. It was enclosed under a flat-topped hood, the front of which formed a semi-circle, and was to become the Stanley pattern that continued for the next ten years, becoming known as the Coffin-Nose. Stanley steam cars were also known for their unbelievable acceleration and power. Their cars were extraordinarily successful in hill climb events, sprints and speed trials. At Ormond Beach in 1906, Fred Marriot drove the streamlined Stanley rocket racer to an incredible 127.66 miles per hour for the flying measured miles, which was a world’s land speed record. In 1911, the Model 63 with four-seat Toy Tonneau coachwork on the short 104” wheelbase chassis retailed at $1,125. The beautifully-built coachwork was constructed by the Stanleys themselves. The double-acting, twin cylinder engine combined with the 18" boiler gave an official output rating of 10 horsepower and rapid turn of speed, both forwards and backwards! It would easily see off many larger internal combustion-engined competitors with its outstanding and practically silent acceleration. Chassis no. 6069 has a rich history and has always been believed to have lived in the New England area. While early owners are not recorded prior to World War II this Stanley was owned by renowned collector Cameron Bradley. Post-war, the car joined another revered collection, namely that of Henry Austin “Austie” Clark Jr. and it became a well-known exhibit in his Long Island Auto Museum. The current owner acquired the car direct from an auction held at the Austin Clark Museum in September 1972. While this was an early foray into the world of steam-powered vehicles for the owner, over the years he has bought, sold and restored a number of Stanleys and thus amassed a huge amount of knowledge and expertise in the marque. While 6069 was a particularly original vehicle when purchased, the wooden chassis had suffered from warping in the Clark Museum, owing to its unfortunate location next to a heater when on display. After a comprehensive nut and bolt restoration was completed in 2005, the decision was made to replicate the coachwork and chassis, utilizing the original hardware. This woodwork was skillfully entrusted to the current owner’s son, who himself is a professional master craftsman and woodwork joiner, and who without cutting any corners, produced a stunning result. His skills are renowned in Stanley steamer circles, and he has produced many new bodied cars for owners of this historic marque. His work has been rewarded with a 2nd in Class win at the famed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This Stanley is not only considered to be in current Concours d’Elegance condition with an overall superb cosmetic appearance, but the owner has also incorporated many significant mechanical upgrades to make this Model 63 perform closer to a 20 horsepower specification Stanley and ride undoubtedly better than new. These improvements include the careful fitment of a new Don Bourdon 20" boiler (the originals were 18") a John Packard Pilot and a Feedwater heater. A slightly later (circa 1913), fully rebuilt engine was also fitted, these later engines having the benefit of the stronger two-piece rods. In addition, during the rebuild this engine was updated with oversized rods and wrist pin, new gears and cross head slides. The rear brakes were discreetly updated to a hydraulic system which dramatically improves the safety in stopping. Also updated were all the tie rod ends, kingpins and steering column which now all have needle bearings as opposed to brass bushings. Naturally the rear axle was fully rebuilt with new rear end gears. The suspension was improved by the fitment of new leaf springs and the addition of an extra spring at each corner to improve the ride and stability. The wood wheels were also fully rebuilt. Another modern concession for the driver is a discreetly disguised LED light system that indicates when the water level is getting low in the tank and allows the driver to adjust the controls. While the car is currently plumbed for a steam whistle this is currently not fitted and a brass whistle will accompany this lot. For the cosmetic improvements, top specialists were employed, including Leif Drexler for the upholstery and top, with Rick Britten entrusted with the nickel plating. Steam car tours are very popular, with extremely supportive Stanley Clubs as well as a number of steam car clubs existing worldwide. A Stanley in steam always draws an appreciative and often amazed crowd at any classic car show, to witness a Stanley under its own power. This example is without doubt one of the finest examples in the world and is ready for the next 100 years of environmentally friendly motoring! |
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