Léon Serpollet
Léon Serpollet was a French industrialist and pioneer of steam automobiles, under the Gardner-Serpollet brand. He also designed steam trams.
In 1896, he invented and perfected the flash boiler, which made steam a much more practical source of power for an automobile.
Serpollet was born in the Ain department of France, and went on to establish his factory on the rue des Cloÿs in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, a location that has become the Parc Léon Serpollet today.
He held the World land speed record, at, achieved in April 1902 driving the steam powered Gardner-Serpollet Oeuf de Pacques.
He is commemorated by a statue by Jean Boucher at the Place Saint-Ferdinand in Paris' 17th arrondissement, and the Parc Léon Serpollet in its 18th arrondissement.
