1910 Stanley Model 70 Touring
- Engine
- Steam-powered, kerosene-fueled, 20 horsepower
A 1910 Stanley Model 70 Touring car, one of 259 built between March 1910 and February 1912, listed among 'Cars of Record' on the Stanley Register owing to its well-documented provenance. Famously owned by American tenor James Melton, who drove it regularly during World War II exploiting its kerosene fuel supply, the car later passed to Winthrop Rockefeller before entering a long Midwestern stewardship exceeding fifty years, during which it accumulated some 80,000 miles following a complete restoration.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$156,750
- 1940 →Acquisition unknownJames Meltonpartial documentation
Celebrated American tenor who assembled a large vintage car collection, first housed in Connecticut then relocated to Florida. Drove this car frequently during wartime due to its kerosene fuel requirement.
- 1971 →Acquisition unknownMidwestern collectorpartial documentation
Undertook a full restoration after acquisition and accumulated roughly 80,000 miles over more than five decades of ownership; added hydraulic brakes and modern sealed wheel bearings during the 1990s for reliable touring use.
- Date unknownPrivate saleWinthrop Rockefellerpartial documentation
Purchased the car as part of Melton's entire museum collection when Melton closed his museum; relocated the cars to Petit Jean Mountain, Arkansas.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1971Restoration
Full restoration carried out following acquisition by the Midwestern collector.
- —Modification
Hydraulic braking system fitted and wheel bearings replaced with modern sealed units to improve safety and reliability for long-distance touring.
Work carried out during the 1990s.
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