History's Innovative Autos
Steam
Steam cars were in vogue by the late 19th century. Of these, the
Stanley Steamer (above), produced from 1896 to 1924, was the most
popular, often outselling conventional gas-powered cars. It even
reached a record-breaking 127 mph in 1906. The Steamer burned
gasoline or kerosene to heat water in a boiler; the boiling water
then generated steam, and pressure from the steam powered the
engine. Their price tag doomed steam cars by the start of the Great
Depression, however. Steamers cost thousands of dollars apiece,
compared to Ford's Model T, which sold for less than $500.