Crossland Steam Car (United States) - AllCarIndex

Crossland Steam Car was a short-lived automobile manufacturer based in Chicago, Illinois, operating from 1919 to 1923. The company was founded by engineer Harn Crossland Pfaff, who aimed to create a kerosene-fueled steam car that he believed could dominate the market. During this period, there was a renewed interest in steam-powered vehicles, although many of the models produced were either prototypes or speculative ventures.

In January 1923, the Crossland Steam Car was showcased at the Congress Hotel in Chicago during the Auto Show week. The vehicle was a five-seater phaeton, priced at $1,985, and featured a polished aluminum body along with disc wheels. It was notable for its engineering, claiming to have only 29 moving parts, with 16 of those in its two-cylinder engine. Despite the attention garnered at the exhibition, the Crossland Steam Car struggled to compete in the automotive market.

Ultimately, the Crossland Steam Car faded from the automotive scene, with fewer than six units completed and sold. The company's brief existence highlighted the challenges faced by steam car manufacturers in a rapidly evolving automotive industry.