2011 Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction
Lot
34
c1901 Locomobile Runabout Steam Car
Sold: $40,000
Sold
Specifications
| Engine | Steam Engine |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | Chain Drive |
| Body Work | Runabout |
| Colour | Black |
| Interior | Black |
| Trim | Leather |
| Wheels | Wire Spoked |
| Brakes | Single External Drum |
Description
This lot is no
longer available
Founded in 1899, the American Locomobile company went into business when John B. Walker, editor and publisher of Cosmopolitan magazine, bought a set of steam-propelled vehicle plans from the Stanley brothers. The story goes that Walker then sold a half-share to Amzi Barber and two weeks later moved on to other projects after an apparent falling out; leaving Barber to install the Stanley brothers as general managers of the Locomobile company. The engine was a two-cylinder design of 55ci (927cc), which produced 3.5 hp. Around 1000 steam-powered Locomobiles were produced between 1899 and 1902 before they were discarded in favour of internal combustion.
