Merryweather + Jakeman's
England.
Early cars began as horse-drawn carriages fitted with steam engines.
The 1883 Merryweather steam car from the Col·lecció d’Automòbils Salvador Claret in Sils, Girona follows this tradition.
Its mechanical parts are English, but the assembly and design are by A. Bollée of France. Steering uses a rotating, carriage-style system enhanced with a chain for stronger—though less smooth—turning.
The water tank sits on the wooden chassis and feeds the boiler by suction. A single-cylinder engine powers the left wheel through a chain, and lubrication is done by drip.
The vehicle can be ready in about 30 minutes. It requires two operators: a driver and a “chauffeur,” whose original meaning comes from the French chauffer—to make fire—responsible for the boiler, engine, and speed control. During the first Caravan of Old Cars in Sant Feliu de Guíxols in 1961, this Merryweather steam car reached 29 km/h.
1883 Merryweather + Jakeman’s steamer.
