1925 Stanley 20hp Model SV252-A Fixed-head Tourer

• Delivered new to New Zealand
• Formerly part of the famous Gilltrap Collection
• A no-expense-spared older restoration
• Hydraulic brakes
• Extensively recommissioned since acquisition in 2018
• Fully tested and ready to use

Francis E and Freeland O Stanley were identical twins whose Stanley Dry Plate Company produced photographic equipment. The brothers also designed steam cars, experimenting with a solitary prototype in 1887 before reviving the project in 1897. By the following year they had built three more, one of which completed a spectacular demonstration in Charles River Park, Boston where it successfully scaled an 80ft incline that had defeated its rivals. Orders for 200 cars resulted and the Stanleys were in business. That first design was sold to John Brisben Walker and manufactured as the 'Locomobile', while the Stanleys progressed to a non-condensing engine driving the rear axle directly, with a rear-mounted boiler, production of which commenced in 1902. With Mobile out of business by 1903 and Locomobile by that time making petrol-engined cars, Stanley dominated the steam-car market and continued to do so after their sale to the Steam Vehicle Corporation of America in 1923. Production ceased in 1927.

Offered here is an example of one of Stanley's final models, the 252-A, which was introduced in 1925 and produced for that year only. The later Stanleys were largely a continuation of the design practices from the 'coffin nose' era, with the addition of a system for recovering condensate from the exhaust and returning it to the water system for reuse. This gave the later Stanleys a much-improved range on a tank of water, making them a more practical proposition. A notable improvement to these later (1925-onwards) Stanleys was hydraulic brakes, their use being one of the first examples of this advance fitted as standard.

This car is one of two SVs shipped new to New Zealand in 1925 and sold via H H Stewart, Stanley's NZ agent. It eventually ended up being used as a taxi on the South Island before being sold to George Gilltrap in 1952 and driven 300 miles back to his home (the last occasion the car steamed before restoration).

'25018' was the first car purchased by George Gilltrap and he subsequently opened a small museum in Rotorua in 1954 before relocating to Australia's Gold Coast in 1959. The collection became one of great significance and included the famous Darraq 'Genevieve' from the film of the same name. Gilltrap died in 1966 and his wife continued to run the museum until her passing in 1988, leading to the famous sale in 1989.

The Stanley had sat untouched for the entirety of its ownership by the Gilltraps and was purchased at the sale (Lot 375) by Peter Lumsden of Kent. A copy of the auction catalogue forms part of the extensive history file, which includes copies of the original trading agreements between Stanley and H H Stewart, as well as correspondence with the firm's decedents and the original rusty registration plate from its time in New Zealand.

On arrival in the UK the Stanley was treated to a complete no-expense-spared restoration, the quality of which is still evident today. It is believed this restoration was completed in 1995.

Peter Lumsden owned two steam cars, the other being an 1899 Locomobile which appears to have been his car of choice, the Stanley seeing little use other than a new Gould boiler being fitted in 1999, after which it was hardly used. The boiler is still in excellent condition showing little sign of use. In Peter's ownership an alternator was discreetly fitted for battery charging purposes, and also a digital water gauge, which has shown to be surprisingly accurate in service.

The car was acquired by its present owners in 2018 and has undergone significant recommissioning work. The hydraulic braking system has been fully refurbished with wheel cylinders rebuilt at Past Parts and a new master cylinder; steam automatic serviced and new diaphragm fitted; fuel system disassembled cleaned and the fuel pump rebuilt; water system disassembled, cleaned and pump rebuilt with new balls and re-seated; and air system similarly rebuilt.

The vendor advises us that the car has been extensively tested and is a delight to drive on the road. It is not currently set up to return condensate to the water system, this being exhausted; however, all pipework is believed present to switch this over with minimal effort. The 10-year hydraulic boiler test was undertaken on 16/08/2018, while the annual steam test was undertaken on 29/08/2023; the next steam test is due on 28/10/2024 and the next hydraulic test in 2027. The boiler is reported as in nearly new condition (test reports form part of the history file).

'25018' is offered for sale as it forms part of a large collection and sees very little use. It is sold ready to go, complete with full weather gear, a dedicated onboard tool box, a large history file, various spares, and a full steam test. The car is said to be 'all together' and ready for many years of enjoyment.