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1921 Stanley Steamer Model 735b
Engine: 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 23x18 boiler
Horsepower: 20 BHP
Cost New: $2,600.00
         Twins Francis and Freelan Stanley began producing steam cars after they sold their photographic dry plate business to Eastman Kodak. Their first car was completed in 1897, and they sold more than two hundred cars over the next two years, more than any other U.S. maker. The brothers sold the rights to their early designs to Locomobile, and in 1902 formed the Stanley Motor Carriage Company.
         The new steam cars were built on tubular steel frames with wooden bodies. The early cars had the boilers fitted beneath the seats and used vaporized gasoline or kerosene to heat the water. Later models moved the boiler to the front of the car and were referred to as the "coffin-nose" steamers. The boilers were tested at double the rated pressure before they were installed into the cars. There has never been a documented case of a Stanley boiler exploding in use.
         The introduction of the electric starter by Cadillac in 1912 removed the dangers of crank starting gasoline engines, and improvements to power, reliability and cost signaled the end of steam and electrically powered automobiles.