Stanley 735B Steam Car

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The Stanley Motor Carriage Company built the famous Stanley Steam cars from 1902 to 1924, the company being founded by the Stanley brothers who made their first car in 1897. In these early motoring years, they were prolific builders, selling more cars than any other US maker. The Stanley’s later sold the rights to their early designs to Locomobile and in 1902 formed their own Stanley Motor Carriage Company.

While the early cars were constructed with tubular steel frames and light wooden bodies around a centrally mounted boiler, by the early 1920s the cars very much resembled the internal combustion engine vehicles of the time. Robust steel chassis, axles and suspension were used and coach built bodies comprising leather upholstery, hood and full weather equipment provided a motor car to a very high standard of finish and quality.

The car offered here is a 20hp model 735B, the most popular and successful model for the Stanley company. The final 735B rolled off the production line in 1922 and was only succeeded by the type 740 which saw production continue for a further two years.

The 735B offered the driving public all the advantages of steam power with the comfort of a coach built car. A robust design, a nominal 20hp rating and plenty of torque offering turbine-like performance, once lit, the car automatically generated steam to meet demand with little additional attention required except perhaps watching the water level. All that was required of the driver was to set the throttle to a comfortable speed and then steer and brake as required. By this time condensers were standard fitment which vastly increased the possible driving range without the need for water fill up.

This particular 735B was built in 1922, one of the last of the model, with a wonderful four door open touring body finished in Regent green with elegant straw line detail to the paintwork. The sumptuous leather seats will accommodate five people in comfort with the option of two extra fold up seats in the rear. When the weather requires it, a hood and full set of side screens can be simply fitted and are supplied with the car.

There are also very smart front and rear tonneau covers which give the facility to cover either the rear or the whole car. All weather equipment is in excellent condition and fits neatly within the car when not being used. Finally, for the driver, the wooden dash contains a splendid array of instruments giving all the information needed.

The history of this example shows that it spent most of its life in the USA before being exported to the UK in 1999.The owner at this time then sold the car to the current custodian in 2000 where it continues to enjoy a most active life. It has been used regularly for the last twenty years and is very much a family touring car. In wonderful condition, with reams of paperwork to support the current excellent condition both mechanically and aesthetically. Its ease of use can be validated by our local specialist who having accepted the offer of driving the vehicle found out first hand what a pleasure a steam car is to drive. No gears or clutch just a hand throttle, seamless delivery of torque and brakes that work when you need them.

Numerous invoices and detail of the recommissioning work undertaken to bring the car up to its present high standard of reliability and condition accompany the car. Of significance is the new boiler, built by Vintage Steam Restorations, fitted by renowned authority Goolds in 2005 with further vertical tubes and plates being replaced in 2018. The steering box was rebuilt, new rear lights fitted, hood frame repaired and various cosmetic improvements were made by Jonathan Wood in 2010. As would be expected for a vehicle of this condition there are annual boiler test certificates and MOTs dating from 2001 to the present day. The most recent examples being from June this year.

In addition to the owners maintenance log since 2000 (including the offer of technical assistance to the new owner) the car is also accompanied by its US ID card, Stanley steam car booklet, Stanley brochures and letter from the Stanley museum in Maine, Instruction manual and complete technical description of operation.

Reluctantly offered for sale, this is an opportunity to own one of the finest 735Bs in existence today. Beautifully presented and meticulously maintained, this car is ready for further adventures and can be enjoyed immediately on the open road.