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... of Automobiles
Dec 27/04: "Santa Claus Car" update.
That wonderful photo I posted on Christmas day turns out to be
more than just a fun visit to 1913: Automotive historian great, Kit Foster,
author of:
The Stanley Steamer:
America's Legendary Steam Car
writes to say that this photo shows so much more than just
Santa with a few mighty authentic-looking reindeers there (albeit dead) over the
fenders. Writes Kit:
The cars:
On the right, a 1912 Stanley Model 74 20hp touring car (most likely) or a
1913 Model 76 20hp touring car (possibly, the differences from 1912 to 1913
were quite subtle). On the left, a 1910 or 1911 Stanley Model 70 20hp touring
car. The visible undercarriage details are quite unambiguous that this
is a Stanley; the "straight out" front fenders make it earlier than the car on
the right with the curved down "billed" fenders. 1910 and 1911 cars truly are
undistinguishable without knowing the serial number.
The place:
Although we can't quite read the license plate on the 1912/13 car, its layout
dictates that it's a 1913 Iowa plate - no other state had that pattern
in those color combinations. Although it may seem odd, Iowa was a hotbed of
Stanley steaming before World War I; two of the strongest dealers were in
Independence and Waterloo. Unless I'm very much mistaken, the building behind
the cars is J.H. Wright's Stanley agency in Independence, Iowa. Leroy, see
page 500 in my book.
That, friends, is great history. Thanks, Kit!
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