The 1916 Stanley Model 725 as it looks today
1915 Stanley Mountain Wagon Model 820 1916 Rauch and Lang Electric Brougham
General History
By 1915, the need to stop for water every 30 miles or so became an inconvenience to motorists, who frequently used cars for regular transportation. The increase in automobile use also resulted in a decrease in the use of horses and a reduction in the number of convenient roadside horse troughs where water could be readily obtained. In addition, the rise in vehicular traffic made the Stanley’s cloud of exhaust steam a nuisance and, occasionally, a hazard.
In 1915, the Stanleys drastically changed the design and appearance of their cars. Few cars were built that year, but afterward, all Stanleys had a condenser to catch the exhaust steam and channel it to the water tank for reuse.
An original ad for the Model 725, found in a Stanley Steam Car sales brochure
Our Model’s History
Clarence Marshall purchased the Model 725 in 1948 from Mervin Allatt, Donald Randall or Ralph VanDine (who served as early vintage “steam car dealers”). An exceptional original condensing car, it has needed very little mechanical work to the engine and moving parts. Used intermittently for more than 60 years, the Model 725 has participated in many steam car tours and has appeared at numerous local events and shows.
This car adopted in honor of Tina & James Ward
Specifications
Capacity: 5 passengers
Engine: 20 horsepower
Weight: 3,400 pounds
Wheelbase: 130 inches
Cost: $1,975 in 1916; 2015 equivalent: $43,004
Comparison Chart
| Model | Car Type | Passenger Capacity | Engine (Horsepower for Steam & Gas, Volts for Electric) | Weight (Pounds) | Wheelbase (Inches) | Original Cost (Year Released) | Today's Equivalent Cost (in 2015) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1901 Mobile | Steam | 4 | 4.5 | 900 | 65 | 650 | 17000 |
| 1902 Stanley Stick-Seat Runabout | Steam | 4 | 6 | 900 | 70 | 650 | 18108 |
| 1905 Stanley Runabout Model CX | Steam | 4 | 8 | 1000 | 78 | 670 | 16900 |
| 1907 Stanley Semi-Racer Model K | Steam | 3 | 30 | 1850 | 108 | 1800 | 47368 |
| 1908 Stanley Model EX | Steam | 4 | 10 | 1200 | 90 | 870 | 20400 |
| 1908 Stanley Gentleman’s Speedy Roadster H-5 | Steam | 2 | 20 | 1350 | 100 | 1350 | 35526 |
| 1910 Stanley Touring Model 71 | Steam | 4 | 20 | 2200 | 115 | 1400 | 35000 |
| 1912 Stanley Touring Model 87 | Steam | 7 | 30 | 4200 | 134 | 2500 | 57100 |
| 1913 Stanley Model 76 | Steam | 5 | 20 | 2800 | 120 | 1700 | 38000 |
| 1913 Stanley Roadster Model 78 | Steam | 2 | 20 | 2500 | 115 | 1640 | 36700 |
| 1914 Stanley Model 607 | Steam | 4 | 10 | 2200 | 112 | 1450 | 34414 |
| 1915 Stanley Mountain Wagon Model 820 | Steam | 15 | 30 | 5000 | 136 | 2350 | 54635 |
| 1916 Stanley Touring Model 725 | Steam | 5 | 20 | 3400 | 130 | 1975 | 43004 |
| 1918 Stanley Touring Model 735 | Steam | 7 | 20 | 3850 | 130 | 2600 | 40866 |
| 1922 Stanley Touring Model 740 | Steam | 7 | 20 | 4200 | 130 | 2750 | 40866 |
| 1924 Stanley Model 750 | Steam | 7 | 20 | 4200 | 130 | 2600 | 36086 |
| 1914 Ford Model T | Gas | 5 | 20 | 1200 | 100 | 500 | 12000 |
| 1932 Packard Phaeton Model 905 | Gas | 4 | 160 | 5450 | 142 | 4750 | 82288 |
| 1937 Packard Model 1508 | Gas | 7 | 175 | 6000 | 144 | 4500 | 74168 |
| 1916 Rauch and Lang Electric Brougham | Electric | 5 | 90 | 3500 | 92 | 2800 | 60967 |