
The Stearns-Knight is a classic vehicle that's worth learning about. The company was founded in 1900 by John H. Stearns, who started by building electric cars.
The Stearns-Knight was known for its high-quality vehicles, which were popular among wealthy Americans. They produced a range of models, from sedans to roadsters.
The Stearns-Knight's most notable feature was its innovative use of a "straight-eight" engine, which provided smooth and powerful performance. This engine design was ahead of its time.
The Stearns-Knight's classic designs have stood the test of time, and many of its models remain highly collectible today.
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Models
Stearns-Knight produced a range of models, including the Stearns 32/40, Stearns 32/40 with top, Stearns 40/45, Stearns 30, Stearns 15/30, and Stearns 30/60.
These models were part of the company's production lineup, which was documented in various records, including the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) No. OH-11, "Cleveland Automobile Industry, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, OH".
Here are some of the models produced by Stearns-Knight:
- Stearns 32/40
- Stearns 32/40 with top
- Stearns 40/45
- Stearns 30
- Stearns 15/30
- Stearns 30/60
Production Models
The Stearns 32/40 was a production model, and it wasn't the only one. There were several other models produced by the company.
The Stearns 32/40 with top was another production model, designed to be a more practical option for customers. The top likely referred to a convertible top or a hardtop.
The Stearns 40/45 was also a production model, but its exact features and specifications are not detailed in the article.
The Stearns 30 was a production model, but like the Stearns 40/45, its exact features and specifications are not detailed in the article.
The Stearns 15/30 and Stearns 30/60 were also production models, but again, their exact features and specifications are not detailed in the article.
Here are the production models mentioned in the article:
- Stearns 32/40
- Stearns 32/40 with top
- Stearns 40/45
- Stearns 30
- Stearns 15/30
- Stearns 30/60
Stearns Knight 6-7 Passenger Touring 1913
The Stearns Knight 6-7 Passenger Touring 1913 is an impressive machine. It's the sole surviving six-cylinder 1913 Stearns-Knight, a testament to the company's commitment to building high-quality automobiles.
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This car was formerly owned by Harrah's Automobile Collection and was later acquired by Art Aseltine, a Stearns expert who meticulously restored it. The restoration process took 25 years to complete and was done with meticulous attention to detail.
The Stearns Knight 6-7 Passenger Touring 1913 is a potent and imposing Brass Era tour automobile. It features a Knight sleeve-valve engine that produces 44 hp by the rating system of the day, equivalent to around 100 modern bhp.
Here are some key specifications of the Stearns Knight 6-7 Passenger Touring 1913:
- Engine: Knight sleeve-valve engine
- Power: 44 hp (equivalent to around 100 modern bhp)
- Transmission: Four-speed manual
- Chassis: 140-inch-wheelbase chassis
- Speed: Capable of 70 mph
The car has been well-documented, including a history file from Harrah's Automobile Collection. It has also won several awards, including a Senior First Prize in the Antique Automobile Club of America National competition.
Stearns Knight H-890
The Stearns Knight H-890 is a rare and luxurious automobile that was produced from 1925 to 1929. It was built by the F. B. Stearns Co., which was organized in 1898.
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The H-890 features a sleeve-valve engine designed by Charles Y. Knight, which was first used in the Stearns Knight in 1912. This engine was a significant improvement over the poppet valve engine used by Stearns before that year.
Production of the H-890 ceased in 1929, but the finest models were built during the company's last five years. The Stearns Knight H-890 is one of the rarest models, with only three known examples in existence.
This particular H-890 is a Straight-8 Rumble-seat Coupe with a custom aluminum body built by Philips Custom Body Co. of Warren, Ohio. It has undergone a complete body-off-frame restoration and features a rebuilt sleeve-valve engine with 9 main bearings.
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