1926 Brooks Model 2 Steam Sedan

Engine: Horizontal, two-cylinder
Bore and Stroke: 102 x 114 mm (4 x 4.5 in)
Power: 13.4 kW (18 hp)
Weight: 1724 kg (3,800 lb)
Capacity: 5 passengers
Original Cost: C $3885

Brooks steam cars were produced from 1924 to 1927 in Stratford, Ontario. Brooks vehicles were unique from most cars as the bodies were made of a special fabric that made the car lighter, giving it improved power to weight ratio and improved stability. There were no metal body panels on the car but the fabric was styled to look like metal and chrome trim was added to complete the look. Sales for Brooks vehicles were not high, in part due to the very high price tag of the vehicle compared to similar gas-powered cars. Only 180 Brooks cars were produced.

Chronology:

1923 - Brooks Steam Motors Ltd. was founded in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and a factory was established in Stratford, Ontario, Canada
1924 - First vehicles produced
1926 - Second factory purchased in Buffalo, New York, USA to produced steam powered buses
1927 - Prices for cars slashed from C$3,885 to $2,885 to try to improve sales
1927 - July, production of Brooks steam cars stopped. 180 Brooks cars had been built from 1924-1927.
1927 - Prototype 29-passenger steam bus produced
1928-1930 Buffalo plant continued to design buses
1929 - Stock market crash caused great financial difficulties for the company
1931 - Canadian company went into receivership. Large auction at Stratford plant, dispersing all assets, including the remaining unsold 40 cars
1933 - Buffalo factory closed
1936 - Company completely dissolved
1982 - Car donated to the Reynolds Museum