Car : Stanley 10 HP
Year : 1911
Engine : twin-cylinder, steam
Bore and stroke :-
Cylinder capacity : -
Gears : -
Brake horse power : 10
Maximum speed : 50 mph
Wheelbase : 8 ft 8 ins (2.64 m)
Suspension : front and back : semi-elliptic leaf- springs
Stanley was the brainchild of twin brothers, Francis and Freelan, who after various industrial ventures, including manufacture of photographic equipment, decided to try making cars in 1897. They wee so successful that they have earned a prominent place in the history of American car production. Surprisingly, they remained faithful to steam propulsion; indeed their cars were always known by the name Stanley-Steamer. The classic ‘coffin-shaped’ hood also remained virtually unchanged from 1906 to 1917.
Despite their intelligence and enterprise, however, the Stanley brothers failed to patent their inventions. Some of their key features were copied by Locomobile.
Their vehicles almost always bore the same characteristics: horizontal twin-cylinder double-acting engine and both longitudinal and transverse suspension. The available engines were basically of 10, 20, or 30 bhp, with maximum speeds of between about 30 and 50 mph.
Two events strengthened Stanley’s reputation: the ride up Washington Hill in 28 minutes, in 1905, by Francis Stanley; and the world speed record of 127.66 mph set on January 26, 1906 by Fred Marriott on Ormond Beach. After the Stanley brothers had retired the company soon closed.