This rare Stanley is one of two known to exist in the US and five that are known worldwide (2-US, 2-UK and 1-NZ); as described in the Stanley Registry. It was discovered in the 1970's on a farm in Pennsylvania by the Stanley guru, Carl Amsley. In the 80's, it was owned by Charles Del Marco. Under his ownership, this CX was awarded AACA National First Prize Junior and Senior status in 1982 and the coveted Grand National Award in 1983. Demarco also participated in the London to Brighton Run with it in 1982!

Charles Del Marco

Charles Stowell purchased the car in 1989 and loaned it for display in the Towe Auto Museum in Sacramento, California for several years. Mike May purchased the car in 2005 and restored it in 2006.

The car was shown at the Amelia Island Concours in 2006, and won First-in-Class. In October 2011, Mike sold the car to David Ault in Maine in October 2011. David entered the car in a few short tours and car shows. In 2014, David loaned the car for display at Boothbay Railway Village in Maine.

Owner David Ault and Passenger

On October 27, 2020, Anthony Theriault of Ontario, Canada purchased the car.

Anthony Theriault, Norine Ault, and David Ault

The car was subsequently sold in December 2020 to its current owners, Bill & Linda Lillie of Gales Ferry, CT.

In 2023-2024, the car was completely restored structurally, mechanically, and cosmetically by M.S. Herman & Company of Danbury, CT to the historically accurate condition as it would have been in 1904. It has all Stanley equipment and parts except for the Ottoway style stainless steel burner and stainless superheater. It has a very nice appearing dark green with yellow chassis. The 3 x 4 engine block was rebored and new pistons, piston rods, rings, frame rails and counterweighted cranks were installed during the restoration. The very rare original boiler water level indicator was refit to the car and is operational. The car has beautiful brass bail handle side lamps, copper engine covers and detailed nickel plating as original. Additionally, it is equipped with a Clinton Atkinson style six-chime steam whistle. It is believed to be the finest, most accurate Model CX in existence today.

How Phoenix Got Its Name

It all began on May 4, 2025, the day of the 2025 Audrain Veteran Car Run. The day dawned bright, clear, and windy with about a dozen early vehicles ready to participate in the 50-mile Newport to Bristol and return run. My 1904 Stanley CX was the only steam car in the field.

Off we went, traveling through pristine Rhode Island countryside with panoramic ocean views. Exciting as the trip started, we came to find out, it was only the beginning. At about the 12-mile mark, a passer-by mistook steam for smoke and called 911! We were quickly surrounded by a police officer, EMTs and fire department personnel; after a good-natured group photo, we were back on our way!

It was quite gusty and winds were swirling. Several miles down the road, our chase vehicle spotted flames coming from the rear exhaust of the car. I pulled over to the side of the road and we managed to extinguish the flames with our fire extinguishers and water we had with us.

Damage was considerable, especially to the rear body panel and paint. Soot damage was apparent through out the car, but we were all okay.

After inspection, we surmised that the main burner flame had been blown out by the cross-winds and unburned fuel re-ignited in the exhaust stack. After a brief pause to catch our breath, we opted to continue with the remaining 36 miles or so of the run. After that, the car performed flawlessly and we had a strong run to the finish of the 50-mile trip. It was great fun!

Because of the extensive work the car needed, it was sent to M.S. Herman & Co in Danbury, CT for repairs and emerged just in time for the Audrain Concours d'Elegance on October 5, 2025. I had mistakenly believed (as it turned out) that only a few people knew about the fire back in May. As we got the car out of the trailer, one of the workers asked if this was the car that caught fire. The secret was out! To top it all off, as we exited the show field at the end of the day, one of the Audrain staff shouted from the side of the road, "It's the Phoenix"! I knew from that moment on that the car now had a name!

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Awards

• 2025 Audrain Veteran Car 50 Mile Run
• 2022 Best in Class Vintage Racing Stable Concours d'Elegance
• 2006 Best in Class Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
• AACA First Prize Grand National Winner 1983
• London to Brighton Veteran Car Run Participant 1982
• AACA First Prize National Winner 1982

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