For Sale: 1913 White Model 40 in Saint Louis, Missouri

The White Motor Company, established in Cleveland, Ohio at the dawn of the 20th century, was an illustrious pioneer in the world of automobiles. It all began with Rollin White, the founder and visionary, who concocted a unique steam car concept that utilized an in-house boiler design. Rollin White embarked on his automotive journey within the confines of his father's White Sewing Machine Company, a humble corner that would soon spark a revolution. The White legacy was further enriched by the dynamic contributions of the White brothers, Walter and Windsor. By 1901, their production output soared to a remarkable 193 units. A significant turning point arrived in 1905 when a White steamer set a world record speed of 73.75 miles per hour at the Morris Park Track, catapulting the company into the national spotlight. Quality was the hallmark of White's early reputation, as exemplified by the exclusive presence of a White automobile at President Theodore Roosevelt's inauguration. President William Taft then embraced White's excellence by incorporating a White steam car into the original White House automobile fleet in 1909. The subsequent two years marked a dramatic shift in focus, as the year 1910 saw the introduction of White's inaugural gasoline-powered car. The era of steam, however, bid its farewell in 1911, with the last steam car emerging from the factory gates. White's product lineup eventually expanded to encompass both four- and six-cylinder internal combustion engines. In 1918, passenger car production was officially concluded, and the company pivoted towards commercial ventures, a decision that secured the enduring legacy of the original White automobiles, cherished by early American automotive enthusiasts for their unmatched quality. The 1913 White Model Forty Seven-Passenger Touring offered here is one example of these rarely seen Brass Era automobiles. A meticulous and comprehensive restoration was carried out in the early 1980s, meticulously documented through photographs in its history file. These snapshots capture the Model Forty in its original, pre-restoration state and the subsequent disassembly process down to the bare chassis. Remarkably complete but in dire need of restoration, this painstaking process covered all aspects of the vehicle and returned this Brass Era collectible to the wonderful condition witnessed today. A closer look under the hood reveals telltale stampings that attest to the engine's assembly using components sourced from various White four-cylinders produced in adjacent model years. A distinctive stamp on the crankcase, "G.E.C. 97," is indicative of this engine segment originating from a 1915 model. Recent times have seen this Model Forty under the guardianship of a renowned collector of early American automobiles. In 2014, an invoice attests to the car's dedicated care, including a meticulous wet-sanding and polishing process to preserve its striking appearance. The sale package includes a binder brimming with pre- and mid-restoration photographs, as well as copies of period White literature. As one of the finest automobiles from the Brass Era, White's commitment to quality and elevated factory prices ensured limited production and the survival of only a few cherished early examples. This White Model Forty Seven-Passenger Touring is indeed a very rare and desirable early American car, a perfect candidate for Brass Era touring, museum exhibition, or simply continued enjoyment on the open road. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7620-1913-white-model-forty-7-passenger-touring/