many inventors were working on making cars during this time. the stanley brothers built their first two cars as a hobby. in 1898 they brought their cars to the first auto show in the us held in boston. cars from the us and europe were on exhibition. there was also an outdoor competition. their stanley steamers were faster and could climb hills much better than other cars. no gasoline engined car could climb the 15% grade. a whitney steam car nearly climbed the 20% grade. the stanley steamer easily climbed the 30% grade.