- Complete restoration by Darryl Kendall
- Formerly of the Alfred Herrala collection
- New Bourdon boiler, pilot, and fuel and pressure tanks
- AACA Junior, Senior, and Grand National winner
The iconic Stanley steam cars from the coffin-nose era are without
doubt the 20-horsepower Model H Gentleman's Speedy Roadster and the
30-horsepower Model K Semi-Racer. During the period, however, the
Stanley Motor Carriage Company's bread-and-butter line comprised
mostly 10-horsepower cars, including the long-running Model E
variations from 1905-1909 and the 60 series built from 1910-1914.
While neither were as fast as the 20- and 30-horsepower cars, let
alone the streamlined Rocket that set the world land-speed record
in January 1906, they encompass the same technology and are every
bit as roadworthy and enjoyable.
This Stanley was acquired by Alfred Herrala, who acquired it from
the estate of Carl S. Amsley in 1998. The late Mr. Amsley, of St.
Thomas, Pennsylvania, was renowned in the steam hobby as a
restorer, reconstructor, and fabricator of automobiles. He is
credited with putting and keeping more Stanleys on the road than
any other person, sometimes creating whole cars from an
accumulation of metal parts, cars that anyone would be proud to
drive. Other cars he bought in original condition or as previously
restored and sold them on to other enthusiasts more or less as he
had found them. That appears to have been the case with this
car.
It is understood to have been re-bodied before Amsley bought it,
which is not unusual for non-condensing Stanleys. All models until
1915 were built in the manner of carriages, with the body and
chassis a single unit made of wood, although later models were
skinned in aluminum. The axles, suspension, and engine were mounted
to this wood assembly, and the suspension was steadied with
longitudinal "perch poles." This put considerable strain on the
wood, even when untrammeled by weather. A high-quality restoration
of a coffin-nose Stanley most often involves a new body.
Although complete and running when purchased, Mr. Herrala was
intent on making it both reliable for touring and competitive on
the show field. He consigned it to renowned steam-car specialist
Darryl Kendall of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, for a complete
restoration. It debuted to much acclaim at the January 2006 Stanley
Speed Record Centennial celebration at Ormond Beach, Florida.
Subsequently, the car achieved a litany of AACA awards, including
First Junior at Binghamton, New York, in 2007 and First Senior at
Hershey later that year. In 2010 it received a Grand National First
at New Bern, North Carolina. It was fully prepared for the AACA
Grand National at Shelbyville, Tennessee, in June 2012.
The Stanley was then acquired by the current collectors from Mr.
Herrala's estate in 2013. Though fully restored, they proceeded to
install a new boiler from Bourdon Boiler Works, as well as a new
pilot from Mark Herman. Furthermore, the steamer received a new
kerosene fuel tank along with new pressure tanks to ensure safe and
reliable operation.
Presented in correct Brewster Green with gold pinstriping and
yellow running gear, this Stanley is upholstered in buttoned black
leather. It has a full top in black canvas. Brass lamps, horn, and
windshield accent the appearance, and a multi-tone steam whistle
proudly announces its arrival.To view this car and others currently
consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/hf19.
