1910 Stanley Model 60 Runabout

The Stanley Steamer Model R Roadster was the creation of a famous American automobile design team: the Stanley twins, Francis and Freelan. The brothers were partners in a photographic dry-plate business in Massachusetts when they developed their first steam car in 1897. An instant success, they sold over 200 of the 1897 vehicles in its first year of production, and the Stanley brothers began their manufacturing career.

This Stanley Steamer Model 60 was a high-powered car suitable for hilly regions such as Pittsburgh, PA, because it did not falter on hills as a gasoline engine might. In addition, it did not stall or overheat on city streets as was common for many cars of the time.

The Stanley Steamer was capable of reaching speeds of between 60 and 70 miles per hour, causing the growing conflict over speed regulation between authorities and motorists to intensify.

The authorities believed that the 'reasonable and proper' speed standard for horse-drawn carriages should apply to automobiles as well. However, the top speeds for horse-drawn vehicles ranged from only 8 to 15 miles per hour, and in the early 1900s, carriages comprised the bulk of traffic on the roads. Many motorists were unwilling to restrain themselves to 'reasonable and proper' limits. There was growing concern about speeding and reckless driving. By 1909, every state had enacted some type of speed legislation in an attempt to ease conflicts and dangers on America's roads, due partially to the power of vehicles such as the Stanley Steamer.

Source - Frick