What is it? Quiz #389

The car is a 1909 Lane 30HP model 17 (this particular car has also been called a 15HP model) steam car, with a cross-compound engine. The Lane steam cars were made in 1899-1910, and only two survive today, the one above and a 1901 Model 0. They were made in Poughkeepsie New York, using a semi-flash boiler and an atmospheric burner that took air in through the grate as well as in through the venturi as per Stanley steam cars. The radiator is in fact a condensor, used to turn the exhaust steam back to water so that it can be reused.

Lane Steam Car, 1909. Made in Poughkeepsie, New York (not Pennsylvania). Photos on the web state 15 hp, but Lane only made 20 and 30 hp models during 1909. Perhaps they meant to state Model 15 (119" wheelbase, 30 hp). The 150 made is speculation as Cycle and Automobile Trade Journal, June 1, 1909 only stated the “Company expects to place about 150 of these steam cars during the season of 1909.” Actual production numbers appear unknown. Lane made four other models this year: Models 10, 12, 14, and 18. Cars made 1900 - 1911. Only two known to exist.

------------------------

Not part of my answer:

1. Two contest wins, two Christmas wins

2. Photo of the quiz car here (halfway down page): http://www.steamcar.net/forsale.html

3. Further photos here: http://www.steamcar.net/lane.html

4. Full description of the 1909 Lane cars here:

https://books.google.com/books?id=3TNLAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA112&dq=lane+steam+1909&hl=en&sa=X&ei=2O_yVOPFFciVyASwlIAw&ved=0CCgQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=lane%20steam%201909&f=false

5. The other existing Lane Steam car was in an accident in October 2014. See story here:

Accident Story: http://www.ledgertranscript.com/news/townbytown/sharon/13900468-95/driver-in-antique-car-crash-recovering

Photo of crashed car: http://www.ledgertranscript.com/news/townbytown/jaffrey/14682995-95/poughkeepsie-to-peterborough-the-road-this-lane-steam-car-has-taken

According to the car info this is a Lane 1909 15hp steamer. Information on Lane is rather controversial both regarding starting and closing date of the company (maximum time span is 1896-1911). Moreover according to available info the smallest car they built between 1908 and 1911 was a 20hp. Looking at the car and taking into account its fender style, it is probably built late 1909 and could be already a 1910 model. To find out which model this is you will have to know its exact wheel base.

I was however not amused by the fact, that the provided information was incorrect: the car was built in Poughkeepsie, NY, not in Pennsylvania. I don't know if this was on purpose or just sloppiness, but I would appreciate this being avoided next time.

What a rare bird, indeed! This may well be a 1909 Lane steam car, 15hp. Yes, a two cylinder engine might not sound like a lot, but remember: It is a steam engine! Like the Stanley Brothers, the Lane steam car had double acting cylinders which means that every stroke is a power stroke, in effect resulting in a single-stroke engine! The large radiator is a steam condenser which helps to extend the range of the car. The Lane was also known for some interesting details like a combination of tool box and running board.
Thanks. Moritz, one time winner.

I THINK, that the car illustrated, is a LANE steamer. To the best of my knowledge, only one survives. It was in the Henry Ford Museum for many years, until a few years ago, when it went to the U.K.
John Hughes (Australia)

The car is a 1909 Lane steam car. They made them in 20hp and 30hp sizes, both of which used a cross compound steam engine. I would venture a guess that this is a 30hp Model 17 touring.

This is a 1909 15 hp Lane steam car made in Poughkeepsie New York by the Lane Motor Vehicle Company. It came equipped with a cross compound engine, stem condenser (radiator), and a semi-flash water tube boiler that could raise steam in a short amount of time. Lane manufactured automobiles form 1901-1909, starting with a small Model #1 steam Runabout, and ending with a large 30 hp Model 17 seven-passenger touring car. The car in question is for sale on the website of the Steam Car Club, I wonder if the owner would consider a trade for my 1918 Stanley?

Lane steam motorcar.