1922 Stanley Steamer Model 740 Roadster

F.E. and F.O. Stanley were the world's largest manufacturers of steam cars. Their iconic Stanley is the 'coffin nose' non-condensing steamer introduced in 1904. Over the next decade, the car was continually improved. By the 1910s, the car had become anachronistic, and its 30-50 mile range between fill-ups was less than ideal. Rival steam manufacturers were getting vastly extended range by recycling spent steam into water.

For 1915, Stanley introduced a new condensing car, the Model 720. The condenser was a radiator opening over a different temperature range. It was placed in a conventional location resulting in a look much like an internal combustion car.

In the years that followed, changes to the car included left-hand drive and replacing the wooden chassis frame with pressed steel. Full-elliptic springs were retained in the rear, though changes to the front included semi-elliptic springs.

The condenser allowed the car to travel upwards of 100 miles if the temperature outside was just right. The car's weight had increased even though the powerplant was no larger. As a result, performance suffered slightly. In May of 1922, the Stanley Model 740 was introduced which addressed some of these shortcomings. It had a larger boiler, which increased the heating surface by a third and water capacity by 50 percent. The Model 740 had larger brakes and a sturdier rear axle.

This vehicle is a Model 740E Roadster. It was given a restoration in the mid-1980s and still shows well in modern times. It is painted in Brewster Green with Apple Green striping, black fenders, and a black canvas top. The interior is black leather with black carpeting and correct gray linoleum Stanley floorboards trimmed with aluminum. The odometer reads 21,436 miles.

In 1985, the car was purchased by Dr. Atwood at an Owls Head Transportation auction in Maine and was formerly owned by Richard Riley of Hookset, New Hampshire. Other prior owners include J.H. Babcock and James Weidenhammer of Poughkeepsie, New York.

In 2009, this Model 740E Roadster was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. The lot was estimated to sell for $70,000 - $90,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for $74,250, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009