Stanley Steamer Model R Roadster

The Stanley Steamer 1909 Model R Roadster was the creation of a famous American automobile design team: the Stanley twins, Francis and Freelan. The brothers were partners in a photographic dry-plate business in Massachusetts when they developed their first steam car in 1897. An instant success, they sold over 200 of the 1897 vehicle in its first year of production, and the Stanley brothers began their manufacturing career.

This Stanley Steamer Model R was a high-powered car suitable for hilly regions such as Pittsburgh, because it did not falter on hills as a gasoline engine might. In addition, it did not stall or overheat on city streets as was common to many cars of the time. The Stanley Steamer was capable of reaching speeds of 60 to 70 miles per hour. The ever-increasing power of vehicles such as this Stanley intensified the growing conflict over speed regulation between authorities and motorists.