Gardner-Serpollet (1903)

Leon Serpollet was a major advocate for steam power vehicles in France. In 1880, he produced a steam powered tricycle. Eventually, he teamed up with an American investor, Frank Gardner, to create steam powered automobiles.

Prior to the merger, Serpollet invented and patented the flash burner which turned a small amount of water to steam almost instantly. This invention allowed for a constant amount of steam which increased the range of steam powered vehicles.

At the time, the Gardner-Serpollet was considered one of the most highly-regarded and sought-after steam vehicles. Only six of these cars remain in existence.

This car was the only steam powered car ever purchased by Lars and Isabel Anderson. They used the car for the longer-range outings until it was replaced in by another car in 1907. The car has a flash boiler system in the rear and a 2-cylinder motor with chain drive. This was a very complicated vehicle to operate so the Anderson’s hired a skilled chauffeur to operate and maintain the vehicle.