Runabout

If you accost two men in a car park, I guess it is only right you listen to their enthusiastic description of their beloved veteran car in the pouring rain for ten minutes.
I can however present you with an accurate description of this vehicle, rather than a few wooly words.

Built by the American Bicycle Company in 1901, this is a Runabout Steamer, producing 6.25 Horse power from its 2 cylinder steam engine.

The ABC (American Bicycle Co.) Decided to try their hand at the new-fangled motor car, and like many they based it on the horse-drawn carriage, in this case crossed with a bicycle. They took their inspiration for steering, not from a wheel but from a tiller. Fuel heats water to boiling point and the ensuing steam is used to drive the bicycle chain, which turns the back wheels.

Apparently you have to be brave to drive at the top speed of 30 MPH because the tiller is not as responsive as a steering wheel!

The proud owners will be taking part in the London to Brighton Veteran car Run in a few weeks.
Good luck chaps, and I hope you eventually got your fish & chips, which is why you were parked up here before I interrupted you.

Did I mention the torrential rain? You can see it in the picture, along with that blurry drop on the lens.