1905 Stanley Model CX Runabout

From 1901 to 1927, the Stanley Motor Carriage Company of newton, Massachusetts, was the world's most famous maker of steam-powered automobiles. They produced nearly 11,000 vehicles and set numerous land speed records.

This Model CX was last driven nearly 100 years ago. It has been carefully stored for nearly its entire existence, and it is believed that this is the most original Stanley example in existence. The car was purchased new by wealthy Boston-area lawyer Albert Worthen. Mr. Worthen and his brother drove the car until 1912. At the time, it had about 2,400 miles when it was put into the family barn. The car was sold to Don Bourdon in 1980, and that was the first time it left the family property since it was put into hibernation.

This Model CX has a factory-installed 16-inch diameter boiler, eight-horsepower engine, and 48-gear ratio within the 78-inch wheelbase chassis. The car has its original exterior, interior, lights, and dual Ashton Valve gauges with Stanley Motor Carriage labels.

In 2010, the car was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $70,000-$90,000 and was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $48,400, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2010