1899 Locomobile Stanhope Style I Runabout

John Brisben Walker, one of Locomobile's co-founders and the publisher and editor of Cosmopolitan magazine, persuaded the Stanley brothers to sell him their steam car business. At the time, the business comprised of a single completed car and 199 orders. The cost for the business was $250,000. Walker then sold a half-interest in the new company for an equal amount to an asphalt millionaire, A.L. Barber. The Locomobile Company took over the Stanley's production line at Watertown, Massachusetts, renaming the steamers 'Locomobile.' Within two weeks, the two partners had a falling out, and severed their business ties. Barber retained the Watertown plant and the Locomobile name. He eventually acquired other factory locations. By 1902, more than 4,000 examples had been manufactured. Two years later, they ceased steam car production, switching to gasoline engines.

The Loocomobiles continued to evolve and grow over the years, and by the 1920s, they had gained a reputation for their quality and being large, luxurious, and fast. Unfortunately, feeling the pain of the Great Depression, the company was forced to close its doors in 1932 after its parent company, Durant Motors, failed.

The Locomobile Steam car is considered by many to be the first mass-produced steam car. They were really Stanley Steamers in all aspects except for the name. They were powered by a simple motor that was directly attached to the axle sprocket. They had a simple chassis, a wood frame, and body, with buggy-type suspension, spidery wire wheels, and tiller steering.

Between 1899 through 1903, several thousand of these Steam cars were produced. This Runabout has been in the collection of Oregon steam enthusiast Robert Ulrich since 1991. Mr. Ulrich purchased the car from the widow of former NBC orchestra leader David Rose in Los Angeles. Mr. Ulrich upgraded the motor's rod bearings and restored the seatback. The 2-cylinder double-acting Steam engine produces approximately 20 horsepower. There is a leaf spring suspension with rear band-type brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2014