細節
1901 STEAMOBILE MODEL A RUNABOUT
Registration No. BS 8163
Chassis No. 103
Dark green with black buttoned upholstery.
Engine: twin cylinder, steam powered, 8hp; Brakes: transmission operated; Suspension: front, full elliptic leaf spring transversely mounted; rear, full elliptic leaf springs. Right hand tiller steering.
The Steamobile Company of America superceded the Trinity Cycle Manufacturing Company in February 1901, which had been producing a steam powered car since 1900 under the name of Keen Steamobile of New Hampshire.
The earliest form of Steamobile was the two-seater Runabout and this model was exhibited at the Greenfield (Massachusetts) Fair in September 1901, offered at a price of $850. A Dos-à-Dos with detachable rear seat was offered in the following month at a cost of $900 and in early 1902 a full four-seater became available, which featured a tonneau mounted in front of the driver's seat for carrying two extra passengers. The vehicles were well constructed and offered in direct competition to the Stanley and Locomobile cars, all of which were typical of the many light steam carriages of the era. Unfortunately the Steamobile Company of America went out of business in late 1902, probably the first victim of over-production in the United States.
This particular example has remained in the current ownership for six years, having been purchased from the highly esteemed Sullivan Collection of Veteran, Edwardian and Vintage cars. Still retaining its original black leather wings, it is finished in dark green with black buttoned upholstery and runs on lightweight wire wheels with whitewall pneumatic tyres. The overall condition is excellent and original throughout and the car has been the subject of a considerable amount of restoration work during the current ownership. This restoration comprised of a major mechanical overhaul which included the manufacture and fitting of a new boiler and the overhaul and testing of the fuel and air tanks. Consequently it comes complete with a boiler certificate valid until 22nd March 1997. All the paperwork relating to the new boiler is included in the file of history which is sold with the car.
This Steamobile features many interesting accessories including the original whip holder mounted to the front nearside of the vehicle, which is a reminder of the transition from horsedrawn to horseless carriages, this basically being carriage coachwork. It is also fitted with lovely period brass lamps manufactured by the Badger to Badger Brass Manufacturing Company, as well as a small period mirror.
Surviving Steamobiles are rare on either side of the Atlantic since they were only manufactured for two years. This vehicle represents a wonderful opportunity to purchase a particularly original example in excellent condition throughout and one which would make an interesting early entry for the important London to Brighton Centenary Run, due to take place in November of this year.
Registration No. BS 8163
Chassis No. 103
Dark green with black buttoned upholstery.
Engine: twin cylinder, steam powered, 8hp; Brakes: transmission operated; Suspension: front, full elliptic leaf spring transversely mounted; rear, full elliptic leaf springs. Right hand tiller steering.
The Steamobile Company of America superceded the Trinity Cycle Manufacturing Company in February 1901, which had been producing a steam powered car since 1900 under the name of Keen Steamobile of New Hampshire.
The earliest form of Steamobile was the two-seater Runabout and this model was exhibited at the Greenfield (Massachusetts) Fair in September 1901, offered at a price of $850. A Dos-à-Dos with detachable rear seat was offered in the following month at a cost of $900 and in early 1902 a full four-seater became available, which featured a tonneau mounted in front of the driver's seat for carrying two extra passengers. The vehicles were well constructed and offered in direct competition to the Stanley and Locomobile cars, all of which were typical of the many light steam carriages of the era. Unfortunately the Steamobile Company of America went out of business in late 1902, probably the first victim of over-production in the United States.
This particular example has remained in the current ownership for six years, having been purchased from the highly esteemed Sullivan Collection of Veteran, Edwardian and Vintage cars. Still retaining its original black leather wings, it is finished in dark green with black buttoned upholstery and runs on lightweight wire wheels with whitewall pneumatic tyres. The overall condition is excellent and original throughout and the car has been the subject of a considerable amount of restoration work during the current ownership. This restoration comprised of a major mechanical overhaul which included the manufacture and fitting of a new boiler and the overhaul and testing of the fuel and air tanks. Consequently it comes complete with a boiler certificate valid until 22nd March 1997. All the paperwork relating to the new boiler is included in the file of history which is sold with the car.
This Steamobile features many interesting accessories including the original whip holder mounted to the front nearside of the vehicle, which is a reminder of the transition from horsedrawn to horseless carriages, this basically being carriage coachwork. It is also fitted with lovely period brass lamps manufactured by the Badger to Badger Brass Manufacturing Company, as well as a small period mirror.
Surviving Steamobiles are rare on either side of the Atlantic since they were only manufactured for two years. This vehicle represents a wonderful opportunity to purchase a particularly original example in excellent condition throughout and one which would make an interesting early entry for the important London to Brighton Centenary Run, due to take place in November of this year.