1910 Stearns Model 30-60

Frank Ballou Stearns of Cleveland, Ohio, viewed his first motor vehicle at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, sparking an obsession that, perhaps, led to him dropping out of school and establishing a machine shop in his family's basement to begin experimenting with engines. The automobiles that eventually wore the 'Stearns' name were marketed by Frank as 'The Best of the World.' Although an optimistic claim, the motorcars were constantly at the leading edge of automotive design, adopting a sliding-gear transmission and wheel-type steering by 1902. The company would employ the finest materials and was renowned for its performance, design, and appearance.

During its existence, Stearns built a range of four-, six- and eight-cylinder models, and bodywork often used cast aluminum, with its lightweight nature complementing the mechanical sophistication. The company, initially known as F.B. Stearns Company F. B. Stearns and Company and later as F. B. Stearns Company, would be the first U.S. company to embrace the Knight sleeve valve technology in 1911, and the only one to use them exclusively to the marque's end in 1929.

Mr. Stearns retired in 1919, and in 1925, he sold his automotive company to J.N. Willys. Production of the Stearns-Knight ceased on December 20, 1929, and the company was liquidated.

The Stearns 30/60
The Stearns 30/60 was powered by a 535 cubic-inch, four-cylinder, L-head engine and racing versions were raced with much success, setting speed records across the United States. The spacious 124-inch wheelbase was accommodating for the catalog body styles that included a tourer priced at $4,600, a limousine at $5,750, and a landaulet at $5,850.

The Stearns 30/60 was manufactured in Cleveland between 1907 and 1911.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2023