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Also known as the Sterling Steamer, the Empire was a typical light steam buggy in appearance, but was unusual in using a V-twin engine. A water-tube boiler produced superheated steam at a pressure of 400psi, and maximum speed of the two-seater was 30mph.
This Empire steamer had an opposed 2-cylinder engine of 15hp rating. This was ‘hung pivotally from rear axle’ and the ‘cylinder end was suspended from boiler’. The Empire had tubular steel wheels and its rear-entrance tonneau body carried five passengers.
A two-seater Empire with a 4-cylinder, 20hp GBS engine with pair-cast cylinders was produced with little change from 1909 to 1912. It was known as The Little Aristocrat and cost $950. In 1912 Empire car operations moved to Pennsylvania, and for one season the Empire car was known as the Fay. Although sold by the Empire Automobile Co of Indianapolis, all subsequent cars were made in Greenville. After 1912, a large line of Empire cars in two-, four-, and five-seater models was made, with wheelbases up to 10ft. These Empire cars were powered by 4-cylinder Teetor and 6-cylinder Continental engines and prices ranged to $1360
Source: Georgano, encyclopedia of motorcar; GNG, GMN
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