Vehicle Description
Steam cars manufactured by the Stanley Motor Carriage Company of
Newton, Massachusetts were among the first successful commercially
produced automobiles.� The �Stanley Steamer' became part of popular
American culture and an icon of the old car hobby.� Steam was an
easy sell in a century when steam was called "The Power That Moves
the World".� The disadvantages of steam power were also well known:
�it could take as long as twenty minutes to bring the boiler up to
operating temperature, invention of the electric starter brought
ease of operation to gasoline-powered automobiles and fear of
boiler explosions was widespread. Twin brothers F.E. and F.O.
Stanley sold their business in 1917.� The new Stanley Model 735
entered production in 1918, designed to overcome the perceived
early disadvantages.� The Model 735 utilized a condensing boiler to
provide greater range before having to stop to refill the boiler.�
Coils located in a traditional style radiator at the front of the
car became part of a closed system where steam was returned to the
boiler instead of being released into the atmosphere.� The car
featured a conventional steel chassis and a total of six body
styles, and became the most successful automobile in Stanley
history, with just over 1,700 sold. This 1922 Stanley Model 735B is
a very rare automobile, with a legend to match.� Frenchman Eric
Massiet determined to circle the globe driving a steam car, and it
was this automobile that was selected and underwent a thorough
mechanical restoration in 1992.�� Intending to pay homage to Jules
Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days", Massiet baptized the Stanley
"Passepartout" after the valet who accompanied his master Phileas
Fogg in Verne's famous adventure.� Massiat's adventure was
completed successfully, although not without difficulties.� The car
was purchased in 2009 by a French engineer and steam enthusiast who
undertook a mechanical and cosmetic restoration as shown here,
improving upon the original boiler system to make the car more
drivable and reliable. The current condition reflects the age and
experience of the car.� The body is finished in maroon paint with
black fenders, radiator, headlights and trim.� As to be expected,
abundant nicks and chips are evident.� The centers of the wooden
artillery style wheels are painted red with yellow coach stripes,
and a single spare is mounted at the rear of the car.� The interior
is upholstered with very old leather.� The simple array of gauges
are mounted on a wood dashboard and the thick wood rim steering
wheel folds at the center for ease of entry or exit to the tall,
narrow interior.� Other mechanical controls are mounted on the
steering column or to the left of the driver's position.� The
folding cloth top also shows its age but is still fully
functional.� Modifications made by the French engineer who
undertook the 2009 restoration of the car include conversion to a
modern-style boiler operated with gasoline. This veteran touring
car is just a neat old thing.� And, like many old things, it has
its own special appeal to someone who shares enthusiasm for this
car's place in steam car history, for its history of French
ownership and for its extraordinary �round-the-world journey.� This
is not a show car by any stretch, unless the show is a gathering of
steam car enthusiasts.� On the other hand, this car could be a star
of steam car gatherings, tours or parades or simply fun for
carrying seven people around in an old open car.
