Steam-powered coach, historical artwork. This patent for a steam carriage shows a horseless stage coach with a boiler at the back for producing high pressure steam. It was invented and designed by William Henry James in 1824, but it was never constructed by him. In 1826, Goldsworthy Gurney (1793-1875) used the designs as a basis to design and build his Gurney steam carriage in England. This 1828 engraving shows ladies and gentlemen aboard the steam carriage, which could fit as many as 18 people.