1911 Stanley Steamer Model 85 Seven-Passenger Touring Car
A red 1911 Stanley Model 85 seven-passenger touring car arriving at and leaving the 2023 Holiday Motor Excursion presented by the Horseless Carriage Club (HCCA) of Southern California. Stanley Motor Carriage Company was one of the most prominent steam car manufacturers, and its cars were commonly called "Stanley Steamers". Five examples of the Model 85 were originally built, none of which still exist. This car is an authentic recreation built by Stanley expert Carl Amsley in the early 1990s and was recently recommissioned by Stanley specialist Alan Kelso.
Most of us have heard of the Stanley Steemer carpet cleaners or seen their iconic yellow vans on the road. But some may not know that the company's name was inspired by an old car brand (and was purposely spelled with two "e"s to avoid confusion.) Despite falling out of favor in the '20s as internal combustion engines improved, steam cars are now crowd favorites at pretty much any car event. Seeing one on the road is like seeing an old locomotive running free without tracks. Whether it's the steam whistle, the big boiler up front (gotta love it when the fire lit up in the first video clip!), or the trail of steam left behind, this car is just so uniquely different from anything else on the road both old and new. And in case you didn't notice, it's fricking huge!
As today's automotive industry increasingly focuses on efficiency and sustainability, it's fascinating to remember that a century ago when both gas-powered cars and electric-powered cars were popular, there was also a third, and no less popular, alternative. Steam power clearly has its drawbacks, but it also has its advantages. And as a witness to how much both internal combustion technology and EV technology have improved through decades of development, I can't help but wonder if there could have been room for a brighter future for cars like the Stanley Steamer.
Do you think steam cars would have a place in today's automotive industry if development of the technology hadn't ceased? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!