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The Daily Insight Hub

What was the original Stanley steemer?

Author

Rachel Davis

Updated on January 09, 2026

1849: Twin brothers Francis and Freelan Stanley are born. Their name will live on in the legendary Stanley Steamer automobile. If the two were alive today, they’d be called green-tech pioneers. But when they built the cars that bore their name, steam was the known quantity, and gasoline was the alternative fuel.

What year was the Stanley steemer?

2005. Stanley Steemer became the first carpet cleaning company in the U.S. to do national network television advertising.

How many Stanley Steamers were produced?

BETWEEN 1897 and 1927, nearly 11,000 Stanley Steamers were built and sold in the United States and overseas. And, some estimate there are between 400 to 600 still running after extensive restoration and repair.

Why did the Stanley steam car lose to Ford?

Unfortunately, within the space of a few short years Henry Ford would almost single-handedly kill off the steam car. Although in the early 20th century steam engines were technically superior to old internal combustion engines, they couldn’t match the low cost of Ford’s mass-produced cars.

How fast did Jay Leno Stanley Steamer go?

127 mph
In 1906, it topped 127 mph. Even though this type of vehicle is a lot of work, it has power and torque. It provides 700 pounds at rest. After taking a look at this exciting vehicle, some people may wonder if steam engine cars will ever make a comeback.

What is Stanley Steemer named after?

When the original steam cleaning equipment was operating, it reminded Bates of the old Stanley Steamer steam powered automobile. He liked the name, so he made it his own with a slight spelling variation to make it unique.

How fast can a Stanley Steamer go?

Stanley, two brothers, until the mid-1920s, at a factory in Newton, Mass. The year this Stanley was built (1906), the Stanley steamer became the fastest car in existence, when a Stanley factory racer set a world speed record of over 127 mph.

Did Stanley Steamer make cars?

Stanley Steamer was an alternate fuel vehicle in 1923. At the turn of the 19th century steam-powered automobiles were more prevalent than those with internal combustion engines. A steam boiler with a diameter 23″ produced the steam that powered the vehicle. The boiler’s nominal operating steam pressure is 600 pounds.

Where was the Stanley Motor Carriage Company located?

The cars made by the company were colloquially called Stanley Steamers, although several different models were produced. F. O. Stanley and his wife Flora drove to the top of Mount Washington in New Hampshire to generate publicity for their firm.

Who was the manufacturer of the Stanley Steamer?

“Stanley Steamer” redirects here. For the American carpet cleaning company, see Stanley Steemer. The Stanley Motor Carriage Company was an American manufacturer of steam-engine vehicles; it operated from 1902 to 1924. The cars made by the company were colloquially called Stanley Steamers, although several different models were produced.

How many horsepower does a Stanley Motor Carriage have?

The twin-cylinder steam engines were at that time 10 horsepower, with 3 1⁄4 -inch (83 mm) bore and 4 1⁄4 -inch (108 mm) stroke, and 20 horsepower (15 kW) with 4-inch (102 mm) bore and 5-inch (127 mm) stroke, and made extensive use of ball bearings. In order to improve range, condensers were added from 1915.

What was the cost of a Stanley car in 1924?

For example, a 1924 Stanley 740D sedan cost $3950 ($58928 today ), compared to less than $500 ($7459 today) for a Ford Model T. The widespread use of electric starters in internal combustion cars, beginning in 1912, eroded the remaining technological advantages of the steam car.