10bhp Single-Cylinder Steam Engine
Solid Front Axle and Live Rear Axle
Full-Elliptical Leaf Spring Suspension
2-Wheel Mechanical Brake System

*Offered after 50 years of single-family ownership
*Only three owners from new
*Comprehensively restored by Ralph Buckley
*Accompanied by a spare boiler

THE 1910 STANLEY STEAMER 10HP TOURER

Francis E. and Freeland O. Stanley were identical twins with a technical bent, their Stanley Dry Plate Co., being famed for manufacture of photographic equipment, however they were fascinated at the end of the 19th Century by the rapid development of propelled transport, taking a particular interest in the steam engine. During motoring's pioneer period, while battery-electrics were successful as a short-range town carriage and even shorter range speed-record breakers, steam and petrol cars were evenly matched in the duel to achieve commercial dominance.

The Stanley brothers built their first steam car in Lewiston, Maine, in 1887, however shot to fame in 1898 with a spectacular demonstration of a fragile steamer at Charles River Park which resulted in sufficient orders to establish manufacture on a firm footing in Watertown, near Boston. The Stanley brothers sold their first successful design to J B Walker who manufactured the Stanley-designed Locomobile Steamer, however in 1902 an all-new Stanley was launched with rear-mounted boiler and non-condensing engine driving direct to the rear axle. This new model was to re-launch Stanley as the prime-mover in the steam car market which they dominated until 1927. In 1906 the coffin-like nose, concealing a boiler, first appeared and wheel steering replaced the tiller which had been a notable feature of the early models. Record breaking continued apace, and Fred Marriott achieved a World's Land Speed Record in the Stanley Woggle-Bug racer at 127.66mph for the flying measured mile. The twin cylinder 10hp car was the mainstay of production although 20hp, 25hp and 30hp models were also offered and sold successfully.

For the 1910 season Stanley offered four standard production models, the 10hp Model 60 and Model 61 and the larger 20hp Model U and Model 72. The twin cylinder 10hp model was first catalogued in 1905 as the Model DX Surrey, the Model E Runabout and the Model G Speedster. The 10hp Stanley was to be the mainstay of production, offering budget level motoring although at the top end of the scale Stanley were later to offer the 30hp Mountain Wagon from 1911 onwards. The Model 60 10hp of 1910 retailed at $850 in Runabout form and at $1,150 as a Toy Tonneau. Stanley built their own coachwork to a high standard and the double-acting, twin-cylinder engine, combined with the 18" boiler, gave the Model 60 an output rating of 10hp and an exhilarating turn of speed both forwards and backwards!

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This 1910 Stanley is now being offered for the first time after a half-century of single-family ownership. With just three owners from new, this example was sold from the Stanley Motor Carriage Company in 1910 to the Prosky family of Abington, Massachusetts. In 1964 the car would transfer to its second owner, Mr. Ralph L. Lehtola or Bridgewater, Massachusetts who would be the caretaker until 1968, when the car was purchased by its current owner.

Upon purchase in 1968, the car was taken to Ralph Buckley for a comprehensive restoration of which it still wears. Completed in 1970, this Stanley was finished exactly as you see it today, a beautiful Brewster Green livery with the slightly paler yellow wheels and chassis detail introduced for the 1910 season. The coachwork is furnished with black deep-buttoned leather upholstery.

Throughout the last 50 years, this car has made regular appearances at local New Jersey motoring events but scarcely driven long distances all while being meticulously maintained. Owned by a true enthusiast that understood the value of spares, this Stanley comes with a long list of components that will accompany the sale. The extensive inventory of parts includes drive components, an additional boiler, and various accompanying items for the boiler system. This exceptionally rare steam car is now fully restored, ready and eligible to join the finest collection of cars or put into commission as a dedicated touring machine.