1905 Stanley Steamer

1905 Stanley Model CX Runabout

Offered for public sale for the first time is the 1905 Stanley Model CX chassis number 1305. Last driven 98 years ago, and carefully stored since, period and marque experts believe this to be the most original Stanley example in existence.

Chassis number 1305 was purchased new by wealthy Boston-area lawyer Albert Worthen, who was a close friend of company founders Francis and Freelan Stanley. Mr. Worthen and his brother Hadley drove the car only until 1912, when, after only about 2,400 miles, the vehicle was stored in the family barn. Not until its sale by heirs to well-known Stanley enthusiast Don Bourdon in 1980, did the car leave hibernation on the Worthen family property. Thereafter, the car was stored in as-found condition for an additional three decades when the extraordinary time capsule was acquired by its current owner.

This rare Model CX features the factory-installed 16-inch diameter boiler, eight-horsepower engine, and 48-gear ratio within the 78-inch wheelbase chassis. The runabout body maintains its original exterior, interior, lights, and dual Ashton Valve gauges with Stanley Motor Carriage labels. The car's folio even includes operation papers from 1910, and the original license plates from 1912 – its last year registered for use on public roads. The current owner has installed a new boiler so that the car is useable, however, the original boiler and burner are included with the sale.