1907 Stanley Semi-Racer Model K

The 1907 Stanley Semi-Racer Model K is an all red car, that has gold embellishments on it. There is no top to the car

The 1907 Stanley Semi-Racer Model K as it looks today

1905 Stanley Runabout Model CX 1908 Stanley Model EX

 

General History

In 1906, the Stanleys developed their strongest power plant ever, using a 4½-inch x 6½-inch engine and a 30-inch-diameter boiler. That same year, this power plant drove their streamlined racer to a world land speed record of 127.66 MPH. By 1907, the same power plant, with a somewhat smaller boiler, was installed in a very light three-passenger vehicle, creating one of the very first muscle cars. The catalog termed it a “semi-racer,” and only 26 were built.

There is a drawing of the side profile of the 1907 Stanley Semi-Racer Model K. Above the car it says "Stanley Steam Car" and below it says "Model K. Semi-Racer, seating two, with rumble seat added. 26-inch boiler and burner in front 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 inch engine. 30 horse-power." Underneath that in smaller font it reads "Divided seat. Throttle and by-pass lever sub-imposed on steering wheel. Gasolene capacity (tank at extreme rear), 125 to 150 miles (13 gallons). Water capacity, 40 to 50 miles (36 gallons). 36 x 3 1/2 inch tires. Wheel base, 108 inches; track, 54. Full eliptical springs. Oil lamps, gague lamp and horn. Price net cash, F. O. B. Newton." To the right of this text in a big font it reads "$1,800"

An original ad for the Model K, found in a Stanley Steam Car sales brochure

Our Model’s History

The 1907 Stanley Semi-Racer Model K in our collection is not the first one to be owned by the Marshalls. In July 1910, T. Clarence Marshall bought a used Model K and owned it for three years. That vehicle was later broken up and the parts were thrown in the back corner of a machine shop in Avondale, Pennsylvania. In 1945, Hyde Ballard, a personal friend and an active member of the Antique Automobile Club of America, gathered up what he could find and used many of the original parts to rebuild the car. Tom Marshall then acquired and restored the Model K in 1986, and it has been in our collection to this day.

The 1907 Stanley Model K Semi-Racer sits in front of the arch of the Auburn Heights mansion. The photograph is in black and white

The Stanley Semi-Racer Model K as it was rebuilt, taken circa 1950s

Specifications

Capacity: 3 passengers
Engine: 30 horsepower
Weight: 1,850 pounds
Wheelbase: 108 inches
Cost: $1,800 in 1907; 2015 equivalent: $47,368

Comparison Chart

ModelCar TypePassenger CapacityEngine (Horsepower for Steam & Gas, Volts for Electric)Weight (Pounds)Wheelbase (Inches)Original Cost (Year Released)Today's Equivalent Cost (in 2015)
1901 MobileSteam44.59006565017000
1902 Stanley Stick-Seat RunaboutSteam469007065018108
1905 Stanley Runabout Model CXSteam4810007867016900
1907 Stanley Semi-Racer Model K
Steam3301850108180047368
1908 Stanley Model EXSteam41012009087020400
1908 Stanley Gentleman’s Speedy Roadster H-5Steam2201350100135035526
1910 Stanley Touring Model 71
Steam4202200115140035000
1912 Stanley Touring Model 87Steam7304200134250057100
1913 Stanley Model 76Steam5202800120170038000
1913 Stanley Roadster Model 78Steam2202500115164036700
1914 Stanley Model 607Steam4102200112145034414
1915 Stanley Mountain Wagon Model 820
Steam15305000136235054635
1916 Stanley Touring Model 725
Steam5203400130197543004
1918 Stanley Touring Model 735
Steam7203850130260040866
1922 Stanley Touring Model 740
Steam7204200130275040866
1924 Stanley Model 750
Steam7204200130260036086
1914 Ford Model T
Gas520120010050012000
1932 Packard Phaeton Model 905
Gas41605450142475082288
1937 Packard Model 1508
Gas71756000144450074168
1916 Rauch and Lang Electric Brougham
Electric590350092280060967

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