Whoever called this car a Stanley Steamer wasn’t a friend of the Stanley brothers, as they hated that designation. It was a Stanley Steam Car, even though Stanley Steamer has now become a part of the American language. The brothers were identical twins who went by their initials, F.E. and F.O. They set about building what was, without a doubt, the most famous automobile to use steam power to propel itself down the road.

The Model H-5 Gentleman’s Speedy Roadster offered here is one of the sportiest and most powerful early Stanleys, and it is a car deserving of its charming factory name. Only a handful of this body style has survived, and none of them have their original bodywork. This car, however, is distinguished by having an original dry-running, 20-horsepower engine, which was factory-equipped with “hookup,” a feature that allows for conservation of steam. It was restored by its present owner, one of America’s best-known steam car experts, to an absolutely exquisite standard. The wooden bodywork was completely rebuilt and featured beautifully finished paint and buttoned leather upholstery, as well as glistening brass trim. A new boiler and Baker burner were installed, but the engine and many other mechanical parts remain original. The car is mounted on new wheels built by Bill Calimer. In the owner’s quest to make the Stanley “beyond reproach,” even the original braking system, which is less than perfect by today’s standards, was carefully restored.

The restoration has garnered AACA First Junior, Senior, and Grand National Awards, and it was a National Award winner at Philadelphia in 2011. Simply put, it is one of the finest, most authentically restored Stanleys known.

The owner regularly travels around the country, getting steam cars working and teaching their owners to operate them. He has agreed to include with the purchase of this Stanley a trip to start and demonstrate the automobile and teach the new owner how to properly operate it. He will waive his fee if the purchaser pays his travel expenses. For the enthusiast of Brass Era performance, there are few better choices.