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I was watching "American Pickers" and the guys picked a guy's extensive automobile-related collection. They picked two Packard swan hood ornaments and a Stanley Steamer gage. That's when they gave the tidbit of info that steam-powered cars actually out sold gas-powered cars as late as 1917.

I was surprised that steam remained popular that late.

as always,
Garrett Meadows

Garrett,

I very much doubt that statement is true. Certainly in the very early days it could have but by then, for one, the Model T Ford was well into production and selling very, very well!

Even to someone such as me who knows next to nothing about the history of autos, I thought that statement was quite a stretch.

as always
Garrett Meadows

I was on a business trip recently and was layed over for the weekend in Florida. One of the shows on TV was that Pickers thing. I could stand it for a few minutes only and shut it off. Instead I went for a drive visiting my old haunts along the Dixie Highway. I'm glad I don't waste money on television.

If you are ever in Vero Beach I highly recommend the Hurricane Caf? on Route 1. It is a gourmet restaurant and a truly unique experience.

Hi Garrett

If steam or electric every outsold gasoline-powered cars, it was still in the 19th Century or perhaps a year or so into the 20th. The Pickers may have expertise in a variety of collectible and antiques but their automotive history knowledge is badly lacking.

But, it is 'reality' TV, factoids are its stock-'n'-trade, so check up on any claims here or the AACA Forum. Someone who actually has knowledgeable and perspective will respond. Otherwise, when the Pickers throw out some factoid, shout "pants on fire!"

Steve

Quit wasting time watching things like PICKERS and get out in the garage. I watched one show because they hyped they were buying a valuable old train. I recognized the seller and he neatly allowed them to hornswoggle themselves to the tune of $8,000.00 and then they sold it at auction without putting a reserve on it. Lost about $5,000.00. So much for expertise!

Lost about $5,000.00. So much for expertise!

Karma is a bitch. That might make up for a show I saw while waiting in the barber shop. They offered a guy a few hundred dollars for a couple of items and then bragged as they left with the purchase that they could clean them up and repair a minor issue and be able to sell for several times the investment.

yeah quit wasting time, we need to find Randy a 1952 Packard hardtop.....
John

The only steam cars made in 1917 were Doble and Stanley.

I suspect Ford made more model T's in 1917 than Stanley and Doble put together, ever.

I owned a 1908 Stanley and it was way faster than the Model T I own now.

Faster than my 54 Packard as well

Jim

Quote:
Jim, as a former owner of a steam car, the value of your real knowledge about steam cars is above and beyond of my little book knowledge. Please take the following as intellectual nourishment and not as a bullet of a sniper.

The brand name of the German DKW is an abbreviation of Dampfkraftwagen and means steam car. Don't know if you know (nor if true) but the name goes back to their first and steam driven car in 1917. DKW is one part of the four rings of Auto Union (today Audi).




one of several internet sources: myautoworld.com

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