1910 Stanley Model 60 Toy Tonneau

The Stanley brothers built their first car in 1887 and steadily refined their design over the years, increasing the reliability and speed of their steam-powered car. They went on to command the steam car market, and during the first two decades of the 240th Century, the Stanley brothers were one of the few manufacturers to build a viable alternative to the early gasoline-powered motorcar. These popular steam-powered cars could sustain impressive speeds for the time, over long distances, requiring only water along the route.

By 1927, the Stanley Company had built around 12,000 steam cars. In 1918, Francis Stanley died in a car accident. The other brother, Freeland, passed away in 1940.

This particular example is a 1910 Stanley Model 61 Toy Tonneau, finished in Brewster Green with cream/yellow accents and hand-painted pinstripes. The interior is finished in tufted black leather. There is a full-length mohair top, hood irons wrapped in patent leather, hand sewn over the ironwork. It has resided in the Allen Blazick Steam Car Collection since 1982. Mr. Blazick restored this car to Concours winning standards in the early 1990s. It then went on to be recognized with many awards, including a National First Prize, a Grand National First Prize, and the Pamphilon Distinguished Car Award winner from the AACA.

This Stanley has the signature 'coffin' nose, a pair of brass acetylene Rushmore headlamps, a large brass horn, and both side and rear lanterns. The dashboard area features nickel plating, and there is extensive use of polished copper for all lines, tubing, and tanks. It also has a 60 mph Jones speedometer.

Starting this Stanley is made easy with a pilot tank, and high-performance slotted Baker burner. The engine is a Stanley two-cylinder, double-acting steam engine with Stephenson valve linkage that offers 10 horsepower. It has a solid front axle and full elliptic leaf-spring suspension, a 104-inch wheelbase, and rear drum brakes.

This Stanley has recently undergone a complete freshening of the power plant and valving.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2017