1911 Stanley Steamer Toy Tonneau

Chassis number 6076 spent half-a-century in a barn and was reported to have spent most of this time 'buried in a pile of straw.' In 1994, the Dragone brothers of Bridgeport, Connecticut, purchased the Stanley along with a Midland and a Rambler. The car had been owned by the Fodor family, of Norwalk, Connecticut. These individuals were well known in Stanley circles as one of the Fodoros assembled a collection of cars and other oddities in the early part of the 20th century. After their passing, the items were inherited by his nephews and retained until being sold to the Dragone brothers.

Mr. Christopher Hutchins, of Brewer, Maine became the car's next caretaker and entrusted Paul Russell Co. to bring it back to its original glory. The coachwork was entrusted to Mark Herman, the boiler to Don Bourdon, the upholstery to Mike Curley, and plumbing assistance was provided by Charlie Johnson. The original toy tonneau body was finished in Brewster Green with yellow wood-spoke wheels, chassis, and suspension. Original equipment includes Rushmore Searchlight headlamps with the correct Prest-O-Lite acetylene tank; the original E&J side lamps, taillight, and instrument light are powered by kerosene. The four-passenger seats were redone to the original pattern in black leather. The top was recovered. Upon completion, the car was taken to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 1997 where it was awarded a Second in Class. The following year it successfully completed the 'Steaming through The Rockies' rally.

Bill Ruger Jr. became the car's next caretaker, adding several features to enhance the car's durability. Upgrades included heavier connecting rods, crank throws, piston rods, and wrist pins, which corrected some inherent weaknesses in the 10-horsepower engines. Another upgrade was called an economizer, which builds steam faster by utilizing exhaust heat, and a new exhaust duct feedwater heater, which was not originally used in 1911 but was incorporated by Stanley in 10 horsepower cars by 1914.

In 2012, this car was offered for sale at the St. Johns Concours auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $125,000-$175,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $165,000, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012