Stanley Steamer Model 735 Touring

Stanley Steamer Model 735 Touring

The Stanley Steamer Model 735 represents the twilight of one of automotive history's most fascinating technological paths — the steam-powered automobile. By 1918, internal combustion engines had essentially won the propulsion war, but the Stanley Motor Carriage Company continued producing steam cars that in many ways offered a superior driving experience.

The Stanley Steamer's twin-cylinder double-acting steam engine produced approximately 20 hp — a modest figure that belied the car's actual performance. Steam engines produce maximum torque from zero RPM, meaning the Stanley accelerated smoothly and powerfully from a standstill with no need for a clutch or gearbox. The engine drove the rear axle directly — no transmission, no clutch, no gear changes. The driving experience was remarkably smooth and quiet.

The steam system consisted of a kerosene-fired boiler that generated superheated steam, which was fed to the twin-cylinder engine. The boiler was a sophisticated piece of engineering, capable of generating steam at approximately 600 PSI. Starting the car required building steam pressure, which initially took 20-30 minutes but was reduced to about 10 minutes in later models with improved boiler designs.

The Model 735 was a five-passenger touring car with a 120-inch wheelbase. Its proportions were conventional for the era, and it was impossible to distinguish from a gasoline-powered car by appearance alone. The absence of engine vibration and the near-silent operation made it a supremely refined mode of transport.

The Stanley brothers, Francis E. and Freelan O. Stanley, had been pioneers of steam automotive technology since the 1890s. Their cars held the world land speed record in 1906, when a Stanley Steamer reached 127 mph at Ormond Beach, Florida — a record for steam cars that stood for over a century.

However, the Stanley company faced increasing competition from gasoline cars that were cheaper, easier to operate, and faster to start. The company's financial difficulties led to its sale in 1918, and production struggled on until 1924 under new ownership before finally ceasing.

Today, Stanley Steamers are prized by collectors who appreciate the unique driving experience and the technological road not taken. The silent, vibration-free operation of a well-maintained Stanley remains impressive even by modern electric car standards.