Locomobile Collection

1900 Locomobile Steamcar Runabout

Year: 1900

Donor: Acquired with funds from Bill Bremmeyer

Engine: 2 Cyl., 5.5 HP

Transmission: None

Number of Doors: Open-doored

Curb Weight in Lbs: approx 650

One of the many things modern users of automobiles take for granted is that more often than not, our cars work without much effort on the part of the user. When automobiles first got on the scene the belief that a horseless carriage could function well was not held by many. All makers of automobiles contrived of various "tests" to build public confidence in their devices. The informational booklet that came with this Locomobile describes two of these tests.

"One of our 'Locomobiles' was run by an expert for 72 miles with 2.75 gallons of gasoline, at a cost of 17.5 cents. One tank of water sufficed for a run of 48 miles. The carriage was operated by an expert.

At a test made at Charles River Park, Boston, the 'Locomobile' climbed a 36% incline. Starting from Newton, traveling over all kinds of roads and carrying two persons, the 'Locomobile' climbed to the summit of Mt. Washington. Distance traveled to foot of mountain 205 miles. Average speed maintained 14.1 miles per hour. Accidents, none; neither on the trip, nor during the ascent nor descent. Gasoline consumed during the ascent, 1.75 gallons. Water consumed during ascent, 21 gallons."