FARMINGTON — In recognition of Kingfield’s bicentennial, the Eastern Invitational Steam Car Tour is touring Franklin County this week. Tuesday was spent in Farmington. 

Dozens gathered at Kennebec Home Brew Supplies and A Wild Fern Winery on Farmington Falls Road to get an up-close look at the cars invented by twins Francis E. and Freelan O. Stanley of Kingfield. Their first car was produced in 1897.

While waiting for the cars to arrive, someone jokingly said, “They’re running on steam time.”

It was just before 2 p.m. when the first car pulled in. A hissing sound was heard soon after it stopped.

The 1910 model, owned by Chris Greaves of Madison, Conn., is his second steamer. Greaves has participated in several tours throughout the Eastern United States and Canada. 

“The experience of driving a Stanley Steamer is pretty much like a modern car,” Greaves said. “Stanley Steamers are the world’s greatest hobby and the world’s best transportation. They were the fastest cars in the world at one time.”

A Stanley Steamer established the world record for any automobile at 28.2 seconds or 127 mph in 1906. The record, set in Florida, stood until 1911. 

Stanley Museum trustee John Harris said the driver tried to break the record the following year but crashed, sending pieces of the car into the ocean.

A ride in Greaves’ car was extremely quiet at the beginning and end. Once underway, there was a slight ‘chugging’ sound that varied with the rate of speed. The overhead canopy flapped slightly with the car’s movement and only the framework of the car blocked the view (there are no windows).

Hand signals must be used because there are no directional signals. The horn has its own unique sound. Some models lack an adjustable canopy and are open to the elements. The light fixtures often resemble gas lamps from long ago.

A nine-seat 1909 Model Z Mountain Wagon owned by Herman Bayerdorffer drew much attention. The Maine and Florida resident bought the car in 1994. 

Harris said he is especially interested in the ingenuity the Stanley brothers and their sister, Chansonetta, showed.

A few of the steamers broke down while touring in Rangeley on Monday and did not participate Tuesday.

Harris said the cars can be a little temperamental. With Stanleys, time is always going to be spent fixing them.

Many of the visiting cars were either red or maroon. Harris said the original color of a car is usually maintained. He has also seen black and green models.

Most Stanley Steamers use a mixture of steam and kerosene. Forty gallons of water and 30 gallons of kerosene will go about 25 miles. The driver has to carry more or find a place to stop and refill.

John Cormier, co-owner of the winery, said he was approached by Debbie Smith, executive director of the Stanley Museum, about hosting the tour. 

“Everything here made sense,” Cormier said. “We had the parking and a water source to refill the cars.” 

Cormier is hoping to offer an expanded tour or steamer show next year.

“A lot of people don’t know what a Stanley Steamer is,” he said.

After Tuesday’s tour, some people knew a bit more about this part of local history.

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