Mark Osborne
Vice President
Quail Lodge Auction / From the Robert Ullrich Collection1922 STANLEY MODEL 740 2-PASSENGER ROADSTER Chassis no. 22288
Lot 284
From the Robert Ullrich Collection
1922 STANLEY MODEL 740 2-PASSENGER ROADSTER
Chassis no. 22288
Without reserve
1922 STANLEY MODEL 740 2-PASSENGER ROADSTER
Chassis no. 22288
Without reserve
Amended
15 August 2014, 11:00 PDT
Quail Lodge & Golf ClubSold for US$57,200 inc. premium
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From the Robert Ullrich Collection
1922 STANLEY MODEL 740 2-PASSENGER ROADSTER
Chassis no. 22288
1922 STANLEY MODEL 740 2-PASSENGER ROADSTER
Chassis no. 22288
2-Cylinder Double-Acting Steam Engine
Approximately 25bhp
Direct Drive via Spur Gear to Differential
4-Wheel Leaf Spring Suspension
2-Wheel Mechanical Brakes
*A rare example of a late Stanley
*One owner for almost 60 years
*Uprated boiler
*Desirable wire wheel option
*Properly maintained and driven regularly
THE STANLEY MODEL 740
By the late 'teens and early 1920s, the automobiles manufactured by the Stanley Steam Automobile Company of Newton, Massachusetts, looked more conventional than not. Their boilers and cylinders were now mounted ahead of the firewall and the cars had what appeared to be ordinary radiator shells with filler caps. Stanley itself, however, was in trouble by that time. The introduction of the Kettering electric self-starter on the 1912 Cadillac meant that it was now easy to jump into any car so equipped (other manufacturers were soon to follow by installing their own electric starters) and just drive away in moments. Steam became a less attractive mode of transport, and by 1923, Stanley was in receivership. Its assets were sold off the following year.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This 1922 Stanley Model 740 Roadster has been in Robert Ullrich's custody since the 1950s, when he discovered the car in Culver City, California. The seller, Bill Wright, told him the car had been stored in a garage since 1932. Ullrich, a refrigeration mechanic by training and a self-described old-school hot-rodder and tinkerer, had a budding interest in steam, but had never seen a steam car before. Hauling the old car home, he was determined to get it running again, which turned out to be a relatively uncomplicated process. Along the way, he replaced the original 20hp steam boiler with one from a 30hp model.
Presented here in what is believed to be its original black paint, and fitted with wire wheels - an expensive option when new - this Model 740 Stanley Roadster has been maintained properly and is driven regularly on tours. Its rarity and condition would make it an attractive addition to any collection of important American steam cars.
Without reserve
Saleroom notices
Please note upon completion of the catalog, it has since been discovered that the motorcar's paint is not in fact original. During Mr. Ullrich's ownership, the car's aluminum body was subsequently treated with Chromate Primer and repainted in flat black. Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.