John Hopkins lights ignighter fluid on a Stanley steam car. REGGIE LYNCH / DELAWARE PUBLIC MEDIA These days buying a car comes down to deciding to buy a gas hybrid or electric vehicle. 100 years ago there was another option. Here volunteers maintain and drive classic cars. Cars that lack a modern convenience were all used to: being able to start the engine without having to worry about lighting your pants on fire. Volunteer John Hopkins uses a blowtorch to start a 1913 Stanley Steam car. He said its like lighting the pilot light on stove. The water in the cars tank has to boil like a tea kettle. Its one of over a dozen steam cars at the museum. Director Susan Randolph said its the largest operating collection in the world. By the 1930s steam cars were overshadowed by their competition which featured turn-key starters. Once it was made easier to run a gas car it was clear that was going to be a winner into this century Randolph said. The Marshall Steam Museum features other cars too. Theyve have a 1917 Ford Model T that you still have to crank to start and a vintage electric car. But the fan favorite might be the small-scale steam train that encircles the property. First seen:http://delawarepublic.org/post/steam-cars-offer-glimpse-automotive-history Contact us for a cash for cars quote The post Steam cars offer glimpse of automotive history appeared first on http://limerick.cashforcarsireland.com/ via Cash For Cars - Locations http://limerick.cashforcarsireland.com/steam-cars-offer-glimpse-of-automotive-history/