Serpollet Steam Motor Car, 1903

Gardner-Serpollet steam car, 1903. The car uses a 'flash boiler' invented by Leon Serpollet to provide steam to drive the engine.

Leon Serpollet championed the steam automobile. He developed a "flash boiler," which made steam a much more practical power source for cars. In 1902, he demonstrated how good his designs were when he broke the Land Speed Record at a speed of 75.06 mph. At this early stage in the history of the automobile when internal combustion, electric and steam cars were all still in the running for the future development of the car, Serpollet's inventions and designs made steam a real contender. He died in 1907 aged 48 and interest in steam cars seemed to quickly dwindle in his native France. Perhaps if Serpollet had not died so young, our streets might look very different.