1900 Locomobile Type 2 5½hp Spindle-Seat Runabout

• One of the most successful early steam cars
• Believed imported from the USA
• Single family ownership since 1974
• Restored over the last 20 years
• Boiler and hydraulics Examination Certificate issued in July 2024

Entrepreneurs A L Barber and J B Walker formed The Locomobile Company in 1899 having purchased the rights from the Stanley Brothers to manufacture a steam car to the Stanleys' design. Locomobile's first car left the Newton, Massachusetts works in 1899. This was a lightweight four-wheeler with wire wheels, its coachwork borrowing much from the horse-drawn era, which was powered by a twin-cylinder engine with a 14" boiler beneath the driver's seat. Power was progressively increased and by 1900 a 5.5hp model was the norm. Steering was by a right-side tiller and final drive by a single blockchain with a contracting brake operating on the open-drive differential. Fully elliptic springs (transverse at the front) provided a comfortable ride on the primitive roads in its country of manufacture.

Believed imported from the USA, this Locomobile was first registered in the UK in 1974 by owner Peter Brandt. Mr Brandt kept the Locomobile for 48 years, lovingly restoring it together with his grandson, and with occasional help from J R Goold Steam Ltd, over the last 20 years. Mr Brandt died in 2022, leaving the vehicle to his grandson, the present owner and second registered keeper. Since then further restoration has been undertaken, leading to the issue of a boiler and hydraulics Examination Certificate in July 2024 (on file).

Goold's summary of the Locomobile's condition states: "The car appears to be in good running order, with work having been carried out on it over several years. Such major works include new CE marked boiler, manufactured 2018 and has recently had a full 10-year inspection which indicates the fabric of the boiler is in good condition (please see full boiler report for more details).

"The burner, an 'Ottoway type, though aged, seems to operate fully and maintains good steaming capabilities. It has been up graded to have a separate/removable pilot that runs on Propane gas. A small addition of a thermal gas shut off valve should be added to this system.

"The engine runs well and has had work carried out on it during its history, this includes hard chrome piston rods and new pistons and rings. The pump systems are of the original type and operates fully when the car is running. The bodywork may have undergone restoration at some point in the car's history, though the style has been closely adhered to. The undercarriage appears to be original and of the correct design." The summary concludes: "Once the principles of running a steam car are mastered this would be a good performer!"