Stanley Steamer

The Stanley Steamer is a steam-powered car made by the Stanley Motor Carriage Company from 1902-1924.

One of the twin brothers who founded the company, F.O. Stanley, was also responsible for the development of the tourist town of Estes Park, Colorado.

With the money from his automobile business, F.O. paid for the infrastructure of the city, mainly to support his flagship resort, which can be seen from all over town--the historic Stanley Hotel.

On a recent trip to this hotel, I found this beautiful car located inside the Stanley Hotel’s main lobby.




A beautiful 2.5 hour drive from Colorado Springs, Estes Park is also the home of the Stanley Museum, where you can see a 1909 Model R Stanley Roadster, and get a detailed history of this fascinating steam engine car.

Affectionately dubbed “The Flying Teapot,” these steam-powered autos are no putt-putt machines. They are capable of regular speeds of over 65 mph. In 1906, a land speed record was set by Fred Mariott, who got a steamer to go 127mph.



The steam needed to run these automobiles comes from a vertical fire-tube boiler, mounted underneath the seat.

Despite what you might think about the dangers of having a boiler on an automobile, the safety valves are extremely effective, and there have never been any documented cases of boilers exploding while in use.



Eventually, the internal combustion engine proved to be less expensive, more powerful, and more efficient.And the introduction of the electric starter versus the crank made the Steamer technology obsolete.

But what an amazing part of transportation history to be found right here in Colorado.

In 2009, Stanley Steamer motor cars gathered from all over the country to celebrate the Stanley Hotel’s 100 year anniversary. Unique trips through nearby Rocky Mountain National Park were a highlight.