1911 Stanley Steamer Toy Tonneau

Identical twin brothers Francis Edgar and Freeland Oscar Stanley of Maine (and later Massachusetts) made their living manufacturing photographic dry plates. In 1896, they began experimenting with steam-powered automobiles. After initial success, they established a plant in Watertown, Massachusetts. A few years later, in 1899, they sold their steam car business resulting in the Locomobile and the Mobile steamers.

In 1901, the brothers began another steam-powered car business. The cars would have a horizontal, twin-cylinder, rear-mounted engine driving the rear axle through simple spur gears. The cylinder boiler was moved from under the seat to the front of the car in 1905. The cover for the boiler would become known as the 'Coffin-Nose' for its semi-circle front design.

In 1906, the fame of the Steamer was brought to new levels when a car driven by Fred Marriot at Ormond Beach reach an incredible speed of 127.66 mph and captured the land speed record.

This example of the Stanley Steamer is a Model 63, which originally retailed for $1,125. It has a four-seater Toy Tonneau coachwork built by the Stanleys themselves. It has an 18-inch boiler and a double-acting, twin-cylinder engine giving it ten horsepower.

It is believed that this vehicle spent most of its early life in the New England area. It was later owned by the well-known collector Cameron Bradley and then Austin 'Austie' Clark Jr., where it was shown in his Long Island Auto Museum. The current owner purchased the car at the Austin Clark Museum auction in September 1972.

In 2005 the car was treated to a complete nut-and-bolt restoration. The chassis and body had warped over the years, so replicated coachwork was created and attached to the original hardware.

In 2008 this car was brought to the 2nd Annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions, where it was estimated to sell for $175,000 - $225,000. Those estimates were proven accurate as a high bid of $184,250, including the buyer's premium, was enough to secure new ownership. The lot was sold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2008