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Brooks Steamer

Model Year: 1926

Location of Manufacture: Stratford, Ontario

View of the dashboard

Dashboard

The dash of the Steamer presents a varied range of gauges – one of the most important of which was the pressure gauge for the steam boiler itself. It is located just to the right of the odometer

View of the rear passenger seating area

Passenger seating

The rear of the Steamer could comfortably seat three passengers. Note the texture of the Meritas fabric which was used for the body of the car.

View of the brand mark of Brooks Steam Motors Ltd. as it appeared in 1926

Branding

The brand mark of Brooks Steam Motors Ltd. as it appeared in 1926.

Completed Brooks Steamers in the Stratford Factory

Completed Brooks Steamers in the Stratford Factory

ca. 1926

Oland Brooks reported to investors in 1925 that the demand for his Steamers was so great, the factory was assembling vehicles 24 hours a day. Unfortunately, these claims were found to be false. Brooks Steam Motors Ltd. went into receivership in 1929 after having assembled only 180 cars.

The Steam Car Club of Great Britain

Row of Brooks Steamer taxis in Toronto, Ontario, 1926

Row of Brooks Steamer taxis

Toronto, Ontario
ca. 1926

Oland Brooks, like Henry Ford, appreciated the importance of advertising and promotions to the success of his company. In an effort to attract both buyers and investors, Brooks established taxi services in Toronto and Stratford which used his Steamers exclusively.

The Steam Car Club of Great Britain

View of a Brooks Steamer showroom

View of a Brooks Steamer showroom

ca. 1926

The Brooks Steamer is shown here with the chassis only – the fabric shell of the body and the seats are missing. The position of the steam boiler is clearly visible at the front of the car.

The Steam Car Club of Great Britain