1908 Stanley Steamer Model F Touring

Model F Stanley's were built from 1905 through 1908. The 1908 model had cosmetic improvements as well as major mechanical improvements, such as the water pumping system. This car is one of three 1908s known to exist. It was purchased in New Hampshire in the 1930s by James Melton and was donated to the Crawford Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, where it was displayed until 1983 when it was acquired by the current owner. The car has never been totally restored since it was in good original condition. It has been driven over 15,000 miles since 1983, in all kinds of weather, and is a reliable and enjoyable tourer.

The Stanley Motor Carriage Company introduced several new series of steam cars during 1905, relocating the boiler from under the seat to the front of the chassis. This configuration allowed for more space for passenger comfort, larger boilers, and a curved-front hood.

The Model F had a 98-inch wheelbase and a 20-inch front-mounted boiler with the 'coffin nose'-style hood. Company literature of the era described it as 'For the short run or the long-distance tour, there is no car in the world better able to get you and your party there and back.' A total of 789 examples were built through 1908.

This particular Model F Stanley is believed to have been purchased by a Mr. Cook. During the 1940s, it was discovered in New Hampshire by James Melton, who later donated it to the Thompson Products Auto Album Museum, now the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, in Cleveland, Ohio, where it was on display for 40 years. When the car was de-accessioned in the 1980s, it entered the collection of Charlie Johnson of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. While in his care, it was upgraded for touring with water-cooled brakes and a strengthened engine. It has received several Antique Automobile Club of America awards over the years, including a Senior First in 1987 and a Grand National in 1990. It participated in the 1999 Mount Washington centennial celebration of the first automobile to climb the mountain (an 1899 Stanley), as well as the 2006 Ormond Beach commemoration of the Stanley world speed record of 1906.

The current caretaker acquired the Stanley from the Johnson estate.

This Stanley wears the correct Brewster Green with Cream Yellow undercarriage.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2024