Vehicle Description
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
