- Rare and desirable Brass Era automobile
- Meticulous photo-documented restoration
- Extensive wet-sanding and polishing in 2014
- Ideal for Brass Era touring, HCCA events, or museum display
LOT 648
Selling on Saturday Evening
1913 White Model 40 Seven-Passenger Touring
The White Motor Company, founded in Cleveland, Ohio, at the dawn of the 20th century, was a pioneering force in the automotive industry. It all began with Rollin White, the visionary founder who developed a unique steam car concept utilizing an in-house boiler design. Rollin White started his automotive journey with the White Sewing Machine Company, his father's business, which soon became the cradle of automotive innovation. Rollin's brothers, Walter and Windsor further enriched the White legacy. By 1901, their production had reached an impressive 193 units. A major milestone occurred in 1905 when a White steamer set a world record speed of 73.75 miles per hour at the Morris Park Track, propelling the company into the national spotlight.
Quality defined White's early reputation, evidenced by the presence of a White automobile at President Theodore Roosevelt's inauguration. President William Taft further acknowledged White's excellence by adding a White steam car to the original White House automobile fleet in 1909.
The years 1910 and 1911 marked a significant transition for the company. In 1910, White introduced its first gasoline-powered car, and by 1911, the last steam car had rolled out of the factory. White's product lineup expanded to include four- and six-cylinder internal combustion engines. In 1918, passenger car production was officially halted, ensuring a lasting legacy for the early pioneering White automobiles.
As one of the oldest automobiles offered at the 54th Annual Auburn Auction, this 1913 White Model 40 Seven-Passenger Touring is a rare and desirable example from the Brass Era. In the 1980s, a meticulous and comprehensive restoration was completed, which was documented through photos. The photos include its original state, pre-restoration, and subsequent disassembly process down to the bare chassis. Remarkably complete, the restoration covered all aspects of the vehicle and returned this Brass Era collectable back to the wonderful condition it is seen in today. A lovely maroon color scheme with contrasting pinstriping on the louvres, body, and wheels, the appearance is very attractive.
Under the hood, one will notice 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.
Most recently, this 100-plus-year-old automobile has enjoyed the ownership of a well-known early American automobile collector. Under his guardianship in 2014, this White received meticulous wet-sanding and polishing to preserve its striking appearance. Along with the sale, this example is accompanied with photos pre- and mid-restoration, as well as copies of period White literature, which is perfect for collection and museum displays.
Eligible for Horseless Carriage Club of America events, this 1913 White Model 40 is a fascinating and rare example from the Brass Era that is over 100 years old and would be a welcomed candidate for Brass Era touring, museum exhibition, or simply continued enjoyment on the open roads.
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