1922 Stanley Steamer Limo info/history

Our company will soon be offering for sale a 1922 Stanley Steamer model 740 D informal limousine with a rather unique history. We are looking for more information on the car, and would appreciate any information anyone might have on this particular car.

Here is what we know so far. The car was originally owned by Albert Kachellek of the North Siders gang in Chicago. It stayed in his family after his death until it was sold in 1971 after have been in storage for 30-40 years. Statements made at the time of the sale indicate that this car was used by Albert Kachellek AKA James "Jim" Clark for much of his work for Bugs Moran's gang. It is believed to be one of the cars used in the 1000 bullet driveby shooting attempt on Al Capone's life in September 1926. It is also believed to have been present when Clark was gunned down at the St. Valentine's Day Massacre in 1929. To some it has become known as "The Valentine Steamer".

It was sold by Cordelia Clark in 1971 to an unidentified buyer in Waco, Tx. From there it was purchased in 1983 by a Jim Jones of Cameron, TX. During the time Mr. Jones owned it, a new boiler was installed by Carl Amsley. Mr Jones was killed in a highway accident and the car was purchased by its current owner in 2001.

Kachellek is a facinating character, as he was one of the top 3 men in Moran's gang along with the Gusenberg brothers. After the St. Valentines Day Massacre, Al Capone claimed that the ghost of James Clark (Kachellek) haunted him, even hiring a psychic in 1931 to exorcise the ghost. In his later years Capone could often be heard pleading with the ghost to leave him alone. Since the car arrived in our shop, no spirts have shown up, but you never know.

The car is chassis number 22252, and has cloth rear interior and vinyl front. It has the fold down footrest in the back and folding rear jump seats, but no divider between driver and passenger compartment. The auction sale of this car will start on Feb 7th 2005 and end on the 76th anniversary of the massacre.

We would greatly appreciate any information that anyone has to help us fill out the history of this car.

Thanks

L.C. Mixon

President

Collector Car Central LLC

Mr. Mixon...again, Welcome to the AACA Forum.

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Regards,

Peter J. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Must be the only steam car owned by a mob member.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Must be the only steam car owned by a mob member. </div></div>

Yeah for quick get aways a steam car would be the last thing a member of the Chicago mob would have. I guess they would have to shoot it out while waiting for the kettle to come to a boil.

From what we understand the steamer made a perfect getaway car. As long as the pilot stayed lit, you already had the steam to start, and it could outrun most cars of the period in short sprints.

Plus in the bitter cold, you never had to wonder if it would start.

CCC