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.
Touring
Chassis #: 2027
View info and historyDuring 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.
Limousine
Chassis #: 2058
View info and historyThe Stearns 30/60 was manufactured in Cleveland between 1907 and 1911.
by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2023
Touring
Chassis #: 2027
View info and history
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.
Limousine
Chassis #: 2058
View info and history
by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2023
Stearns
Similarly Priced Vehicles
- Chadwick Model 19 ($5,500-$6,500)
- Packard Model Thirty ($4,250-$5,650)
- American Traveler Underslung ($4,000-$5,000)
- Stevens Duryea Model Y ($4,000-$5,000)
- Stearns Model 15-30 ($3,200-$4,600)
- Lozier Model H ($5,000-$6,000)
- Thomas Flyer L6-40 ($3,400-$5,500)
- Pierce-Arrow Model 48 ($4,823-$6,207)
- Franklin Model H ($3,600-$5,000)
- Locomobile Model 30-L ($3,500-$4,700)
1910 Stearns Model 30-60 Vehicle Profiles
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
Price Comparison
$3,200 - $4,600
Related Automotive News
JOHN SURTEES CBE ANNOUNCES AUCTION LOTS FOR THE 2016 HENRY SURTEES FOUNDATION TEAM KARTING CHALLENGE
Tuesday 5 July 2016 – Mercedes-Benz World Circuit, Brooklands
Team entries are shaping up well for the hotly contested Henry Surtees Foundation Team Karting Challenge, which will take place on Tuesday 5 July 2016. The event organised by John S...
Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains Honoured With The Prestigious Dewar Trophy
Mercedes-Benz is proud to announce that Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP), Brixworth, has been awarded the coveted Dewar Trophy – renowned as the most prestigious award in British engineering – for its PU106A Hybrid Formula One Power Unit.
The...
Art Deco Theme to be Featured at The Elegance at Hershey
Hershey, PA (April 16, 2014) The Elegance at Hershey has announced the theme for this years event the Era of Art Deco, and the visual arts movement of the 1920s, 30s and 40s. The cars of that era have always been some of the most beautiful...
ECURIE ECOSSE GLORIES AGAIN AS BONHAMS SELLS SCOTTISH TEAM COLLECTION FOR £8.8M
All eight cars in British connoisseur **** Skipworths collection from the legendary Scottish team that won two consecutive Le Mans 24-Hour races in 1956 and 1957, sold at Bonhams today (1 December) for record prices.
Just as they did in the 1950s,...
Dennis Hopper and Steve McQueen Motorcycles Added to Mecum Celebrity Items Auction
Rare and Vintage Motorcycles Join a Growing List of Collectible Vehicles Set to Hit the Auction Block This Summer
Walworth, WI - June 20, 2013 -- Mecum has announced the addition of two vintage, celebrity motorcycles to the upcoming Celebrity...