Stearns 45-90 HP
Car : Stearns 45-90 HP
Year : 1908
Engine : 6 cylinders in line
Bore and stroke :136.5×149 mm
Cylinder capacity : 13075 cc
Gears : 4 forward
Brake horse power : 90
Maximum speed : 88 mph
Wheelbase : 10 ft 8 ins ( 3.25 m)
Suspension : front and back : semi-elliptic leaf- springs
The story of this company, founded in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1896, is similar to that of many American car manufacturing companies of the time. It started modestly, with inexpensive vehicles, and progressed to de luxe cars inspired by Mercedes.
From single, twin, and 3-cylinder engines, in 1906 Stearns began using 6 cylinders, the chief feature of which was the enormous cylinder capacity, unusual in the U.S.A. even in those days. On the other hand the 45-90 HP could exceed 85 mph, and was considered the fastest American car of its time.
In 1912 the company went over to using Knight sleeve valve engines, and took the name Stearns-Knight; it was taken over by Willys Overland (Toledo). It still kept its 4-, 6-, and 8-cylinder models–the last of these mounted on 9 bearings. The variety of models and the support of Willys were not able to save it from the 1929 slump, however. The following year the company ceased production. Before the adoption of the sleeve valve engine Frank B. Stearns had left the company, but his successors carried on the basic ideas that had made Stearns cars truly original. Stearns was faithful to the Knight sleeve valve engine to the last, and used it in its final model in 1930, the 6500 cc 8-9.