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 the period, however, the Stanley Motor Carriage Company’s bread-and-butter line was comprised mostly of 10 horsepower cars, including the long-running Model E variations from 1905–1909 and the 60 series built from 1910 to 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.

Mr. Herrala acquired this Stanley from the estate of Carl S. Amsley in 1998. The late Mr. Amsley, of St. Thomas, Pennsylvania, was renowned in the steam hobby as restorer, re-constructor, 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. In the process, the car was given a new boiler from Bourdon Boiler Works in Vermont. 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, when events intervened.

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. Having recently emerged from winter storage, the car is fully prepared for show or for the road. Alfred Herrala loved his cars, both as works of art and as driving pleasures on the road. It was his wish that a new owner of this Stanley might enjoy it in the same way.