‘Nelson’ Steam Car Replica of 1992 SO610

This is something a bit special! This is a fully working (burners, boiler, steam engine and all) replica of an early 1900s ‘coffin-nosed’ Stanley steam car. Currently steamable albeit with no current boiler test in place, there is no question that this could be considered an affordable, fun way of enjoying steam car ownership with something a little different, but which is more than capable!

Built originally in 1991 by a Mr Nelson, this remarkable vehicle is certainly something a little unusual. A thick folder of detailed history tells us virtually its whole life. It includes an original builder’s log and a later diary telling us about at least a decade of notes and stories starting from 2003 and showing a period of inactivity for around 8 years. The diary, composed by a previous owner, gives us an intriguing insight into the life of this car, and some idea of a few useful statistics worked out during that time too. For instance, they told us, in around 2013, it was using around 30 gallons of water per hour of full output operation with double acting cylinders ~3.14″x5″ and an engine RPM of 417 at 30mph! The same folder also contains correspondence and invoices detailing many of the parts used.

Based loosely on a Stanley, and reputedly fitted with a more Stanley-like nose in earlier years before being switched after being repeatedly mistaken for a genuine Stanley (which was not the owner’s intention at the time), the particulars reported in the paperwork can be compared to the vehicles produced by the Stanley brothers.

It is fitted with a kerosene fired, steel vertical boiler with expanded tubes. It has been tested in recent years repeatedly by reputable commercial boiler inspectors, the reports for which can be found amongst the included paperwork. The most recent inspection lapsed in September 2022 – the most recent 10-yearly hydraulic inspection was conducted in September 2017. It is tested to run at 400psi with a hydraulic test to 600psi. The boiler is 18″ round by 14″ high and contains 408 boiler tubes. It runs with a gas pilot light and kerosene at 140psi. It has a Stanley-style burner plate, a steam water lifter and a steam superheater.

The engine itself has been rebuilt in relatively recent years so runs well producing plenty of power. The rebuild included an oiling system, adjustable wear guides, sleeve barrels, new pistons, new rings, re-faced steam surfaces alongside countless other, small tweaks. It is a double action, twin cylinder (~3.14″x5″) which, comparing to a Stanley, is reputedly somewhere between a 10hp and a 20hp. The engine is solid mounted to the rear differential, the same as a Stanley. It is fitted with mechanical fuel and water pumps on the engine, a hand fuel pump in the floor and a backup, twin piston electric water pump for emergencies.

The chassis is primarily constructed of box welded steel and utilises many classic car components for the braking and steering. For instance, the brakes are Morris/Austin and the steering box is Fiat. This should make it fairly easy to obtain spares if time is taken to study the notes accompanying the car to find out which parts have been used. The chassis and ‘vehicle’ components are of sound condition giving this car a great foundation to work from.

The bodywork is, arguably, what lets this remarkable car down. It is designed to fit four people comfortably, similar to an original 10hp tourer. It is constructed mainly from a steel/ash frame with aluminium covering marine ply. The bonnet is made of steel. It has Lucas ‘King of the Road’ lamps and a multitone steam horn. The hood is present but needs work.

We have had this car in operation at our yard meaning it is really not far from being in proper use. With a little bit of tweaking and smartening of the body, this car offers someone a really rather affordable way of entering steam car ownership!

Contact us today to organise an in-steam viewing near Exeter, Devon.

Asking Price – £19,995

We always encourage prospective buyers to view historic vehicles and steam engines in person prior to purchase. This project is advertised for sale by Berrybrook Steam & Classics on behalf of the owner and seller.

For more information, please speak to Matt on 01392 833301 or email [Email Address removed].

As with all of our historic vehicles listed for sale, we recommend viewing in person where possible. Appointments are recommended so please try to contact us before travelling for a viewing.

Please ask about our flexible part-exchange options. Delivery can be arranged to anywhere in the UK, and beyond, at buyer’s expense.