Rare original antique engraving print from an 1860s illustrated journal. This antique print depicts a steam carriage car created by Thomas Rickett. He was way ahead of his time. Above the picture is an article on the subject.

Thomas Rickett from Buckingham, England, made a steam-powered car in 1860. Several examples were made and it was also advertised. The steam vehicle had three wheels, the single wheel at the front, and a rear-mounted coal-fired boiler and two-cylinder engine. The boiler pressure was 110 psi, and the cylinders had a bore of 76 mm and stroke of 178 mm. Transmission was by chain to the right-hand rear wheel. A maximum speed of 19 mph was claimed. A boilerman was seated at the rear, and three passengers could sit side by side at the front with the one on the right operating a tiller steering and the regulator, reversing lever and brake. The wheels had iron "tyres", with the brakes operating on the rear wheels.

Shown in the print is the second example made for the Earl of Caithness. This time the wheels were driven through a two-speed gearbox and spur gears. It was demonstrated to the Royal family at Windsor Castle in January 1860. The Earl used the car to drive 146 miles from Inverness to Barrogill Castle, 20 miles north of Wick in Scotland, accompanied by his wife, with Thomas Rickett acting as engine man.

Encouraged by his success, Rickett placed an advertisement in The Engineer magazine advertising his carriages for sale at £180 to £200. He was, however, ahead of his time, and it is not thought that any more were sold.