General Electric Co.

Thomson Steam Surry

At the turn of the century, the General Electric Co. was contemplating entry into the automobile manufacturing business and built about a dozen experimental cars.

This being the third. It was designed and used by Elihu Thompson who believed that automobiles should use kerosene for fuel due to the expensive character of gasoline. This photograph was taken when the car was new, shortly after steel fenders were added and these are now on the car. Different side lamps are now mounted. Throttle now at top of steering post is removable to discourage tampering. Boiler is at the rear, supported on three sides by a copper water tank. The atomizing nozzle of the burner is similar to automatic sprinkler head in its action. A composite water and fuel pump is operated by an eccentric on the rear axle and is automatic. The car runs about 7 or 8 miles per gallon of Kerosene. Features well in advance of its period include left side position of the operating and worm drive.

Manufacturer: General Electric Co.

Address: Lynn, Mass.

Body Type: Surry

Engine Type: 4-cylinder, non-condensing

Valves: Poppet intake, exhaust ports

Bore & Stroke 2 ½" x 2 ¾"

Boiler: Flash Type, Water Tube

Working Pressure: 590 Pounds per Square Inch

Burner: Kerosene

Steering: Horizontal Bar

Foot Brake: Internal Expanding

Hand Brake: Spoon Type

Front Springs:

Rear Springs:Full Elliptic

Wheels: Artillery

Tires: Solid, 33" x 1½"

This information came from a photo issued by the Woflpen Automotive Museum, Inc.

[1]Georgano, G. N., Encyclopedia of American Automobiles, (New York, E. P. Dutton & Co., 1968), p. ______??.