Page "Steam car" Paragraph 25

Perhaps the best-known and best-selling steam car was the Stanley Steamer, produced from 1896 to 1924.

Between 1899 and 1905, Stanley outsold all gasoline-powered cars, and was second only to Columbia Electric in the US.

It used a compact fire-tube boiler to power a simple double-acting two-cylinder engine.

Because of the phenomenal torque available at all engine speeds, the steam car's engine was typically geared directly to the rear axle, with no clutch or variable speed transmission required.

Until 1914, Stanley steam cars vented their exhaust steam directly to the atmosphere, necessitating frequent refilling of the water tank ; after 1914, all Stanleys were fitted with a condenser, which considerably reduced their water consumption.