The iconic Stanley Steamers 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 this era, however, the Stanley Motor Carriage Company’s bread-and-butter line comprised mostly 10-horsepower cars, including the long-running Model E variations of 1905–1909 and the 60-series cars built from 1910 to 1914. Although they weren’t 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.

From 1910 to 1913, 60-series cars totaled to 1,165 units, handily outselling the 70-series 20-horsepower cars, which managed just 877. In fact, the Model 63 10-horsepower Toy Tonneau, of which this car is an excellent example, was the second-best-selling model of the period; its 219 cars built between September 1910 and July 1912 was bested only by the Model 60 2-3-4-Passenger Runabout.

This attractive Stanley was acquired as a restoration project by the current owner in 2009. The effort had begun many years earlier by Carl William Rothhausen, of British Columbia, Canada, but like many others, it had stalled long short of completion. The “restoration kit” comprised a rolling chassis; a new body by the late Carl Amsley, of Pennsylvania, who was a legend in Stanley circles; and many boxes of parts.

The chassis was sent to Alan Kelso’s well-respected Steaman Inc., a restoration facility in McConnellsville, Pennsylvania. Kelso thoroughly restored it with a new boiler, burner, and pilot, and much work was put into the replacement of valves and piping. Local craftsmen in Washington State completed the restoration and applied the final detailing. The body is painted deep red, with black moldings and straw pinstriping. The fenders are black and contrast with the beige wheels and running gear.

The car is upholstered in buttoned black leather, with a matching black canvas top that has a windshield curtain. This dual-fuel car, with separate pilot and main burner systems, has a rare original pilot torch that is fed from the Presto-Lite gas lighting system. This system was a welcome and convenient tool for lighting the pilot in the days before inexpensive plumbers’ torches, and they are rarely seen today. The original split valve for the torch, which is fitted at the gas cylinder, is a particularly hard-to-find item.

The car was running in 2010, and it completed its maiden voyage on that year’s western steam tour in Idaho. With a new top installed, the car was complete in 2011, and it took part in the Pacific Northwest Steam Society tour in Sedro Woolley, Washington. This vehicle essentially wears a fresh restoration, and it runs and drives beautifully, with all the sensations that only a steam car can provide.