1913 Stanley Roadster Model 78

The 1913 Stanley Roadster Model 78 is a glossy back car, with blue wheels, a space on the back for trunks, and a black top

The 1913 Stanley Roadster Model 78 as it looks today

1913 Stanley Touring Model 76 1914 Stanley Model 607

Our Model’s History

Purchased for the museum about 1949, this car was originally owned by Dr. J. H. Allen of St. Johnsbury, Vermont. It is one of three metal-bodied 20-horsepower roadsters in existence, and the only surviving Model 78. 

An ad for the 1913 Stanley Roadster Model 78, featuring a side profile of the car

An original ad for the Model 78, found in a Stanley Steam Car sales brochure

Restoration Work

After its purchase, this very original car received a quick paint job, new top, side curtains, and some engine work before being driven 1,200 miles on the 1950 Glidden Tour. It also participated in the 1974 Steam Car Tour. The wheels installed after the 1950 restoration were 34×4, but these were eventually changed in 1974 to Elster Hayes wheels and Coker rims.
In 2010, the Friends of Auburn Heights Preserve commissioned a complete restoration of this car by Charles W. Johnson of Wellsville, Pennsylvania. In December of 2012, the car returned just in time to mark the beginning of its centennial year.

Tom Marshall sits behind the wheel while Jack Hutton sits in the passenger side in this black and white photo of the Model 78

Tom Marshall drives the Model 78 (with Jack Hutton) on the Glidden Tour Revival, 1950

This car adopted by J. Stephen Bryce

Specifications

Capacity: 2 passengers
Engine: 20 horsepower
Weight: 2,500 pounds
Wheelbase: 115 inches
Cost: $1,640 in 1913; today’s equivalent: $36,700

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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