1898 Stover High Wheeler

The 1898 Stover High Wheeler is a rare and intriguing early automobile that stands out due to its unique design and mystery surrounding its origins. While the Stover name may not be widely recognized in automotive history, the vehicle represents an interesting chapter in the development of early American automobiles.

The Stover Company

It’s important to note that there was a D.C. Stover Company in the late 19th century that was well-known for manufacturing stationary engines and farm equipment. While it's not entirely clear whether the Stover High Wheeler was built by the same company, it is highly likely that the vehicle used a Stover engine, as the company was known for its high-quality engines during this time. The vehicle's engine is described as a 1-cylinder, 1-1/2 HP engine, capable of running on gasoline, kerosene, or even Jack Daniels – a testament to the experimental nature of early automobile fuel sources.

Design and Performance

The 1898 Stover High Wheeler is characterized by its large, high wheels, a design that was common among early automobiles. These high wheels were a feature of many vehicles from the late 19th century, as they helped navigate the rough and uneven roads that were prevalent at the time. The Stover is said to have a top speed of about 17 MPH, which was impressive for the era.

The fact that the car could run on multiple types of fuel—including kerosene and even Jack Daniels—adds to its intrigue, as it highlights the experimental nature of early automobile engines, which were not as standardized as they are today.

Mystery and Legacy

Despite its fascinating attributes, there’s very little known about the 1898 Stover High Wheeler. The company that built it is unclear, and much of its history remains a mystery. What is known is that the car represents an early example of experimentation with vehicle design and engine types. It may have been part of the wave of high-wheel vehicles that were produced during this period, but the Stover High Wheeler is one of the more obscure examples.

For those interested in automotive history, the 1898 Stover High Wheeler serves as an intriguing and rare example of early American automotive engineering, though its full story has yet to be uncovered. If anyone has additional information on this vehicle or the Stover brand, particularly in relation to early automobiles, it would certainly shed more light on its legacy.