To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The
Elkhart Collection event, 23 - 24 October 2020.
- An icon of mid-century American vacations
- Designed by the legendary Alexis de Sakhnoffsky
- Restored in period-correct Glacier National Park "Reds"
livery
- Correct 318 cu. in. 16A flathead six-cylinder engine
- The ideal party wagon, with room for 17 and a sunroof!
The White Company of Cleveland, Ohio, manufactured over 500
examples of their Model 706 between 1936 and 1939 for use at
America's national parks. These mighty beasts featured roll-back
canvas convertible tops over their 17-passenger interiors, accessed
by no fewer than eight doors, and were handsomely styled by the
noted industrial designer Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky for
coachbuilders Bender of Cleveland. Some examples remain in service
at various parks to this day, while others have been restored to
evoke wonderful memories of family vacations long ago.
Glacier National Park's fleet of 18 White buses, acquired at a cost
of $90,000, was popularly known as the "Reds" and the drivers as
"red jammers" because of the sound the unsynchronized gears of the
transmission made when the driver shifted on the steep roads of the
park. They were regularly used to give tours up Going-to-the-Sun
Road, one of several scenic roads built at the park by the Great
Northern Railroad. Today several of these buses remain in service
at Glacier National Park and are still giving rides.
The Model 706 offered here is still running an original
318-cubic-inch 16A flathead six-cylinder gasoline engine and has
been authentically restored in Glacier "Reds" livery with
red-and-black steel wheels and comfortable tan leather bench
seating within under the roll-back black canvas top. There is also
a surprisingly sizable rear cargo area tucked behind the final row
of seating. Inspection shows the paintwork, interior, and top
fabric to all be very well restored and still in excellent overall
condition, while the undercarriage shows only light wear from
occasional use.
Few vehicles offer more opportunity for fun-with 16 of your friends
and family, no less!To view this car and others currently consigned
to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/el20.
