Right from the start, I was the wrong person to write this article. I know nothing about cars. Whenever someone asks me what kind of cars I like, I just say, "I've always wanted an escort with a big rear end."
But for some reason these steam-powered automobiles from the early 20th century are captivating. They're beautiful machines, and there's something magic about watching them tootle along without the grumbling and stuttering of a gasoline engine.
Indeed. I was rather confused reading the article after reading the title. The article was still very interesting though!
The old "bait and switch". StJohn, I'd never ask you to divulge your secrets... but could you? I had the same question after reading it.
Huh, I didn't expect so much confusion, but that may well be my fault. The thing that got me interested in steam cars was Mary Ward, the first car accident fatality, who got run over by one of the bohemoths in 1869. If people want to ride around in motorized death traps, no matter how beautiful they are, then I think that's a novel enough way to commit suicide. The line is borrowed from "Sir Henry at Rawlinson End", in which Sir Henry spies a hang-glider sailing through the air and remarks: "Seems a novel enough way to commit suicide. Fetch me the pistol, I'll see if I can't bring the blighter down in the lake."
A family friend in England has a restored steam car. It's quite a fascinating contraption. I'm not surprised that they were thoroughly surpassed by petrol cars, due to the energy density. There's certainly something romantic about a car you have to stoke and warm up.