While better known for the large commercial trucks it produced, White in fact started out at the turn of the century building both trucks and passenger cars, the latter in both steam and internal combustion varieties and most famous for their presidential associations. This 1912 White Model 30 for sale on Hemmings.com can be found close to White’s ancestral home of Cleveland and has benefited from a full restoration. From the seller’s description:
Fully restored, 30 horsepower L-head four cylinder, 4-speed manual transmission. Updated with electric fuel pump and starter. Runs and drives beautifully, cruises easily at 35-40 MPH. Great Glidden Tour vehicle.
Beautifully restored some years ago, it still presents in excellent condition throughout, with superb mechanics and road manners, and a few thoughtful updates as well, including an electric starter.
Paint and bodywork have been restored to an extremely high standard, with cream panels and fenders accented by tan moldings and bright red pinstriping. The brass and other trim presents very well, with a comfortable patina but no damage or tarnishing. Period accessories include a python horn and carriage lamps mounted at the base of the windshield. The wooden dashboard and firewall was refinished at the time of restoration, and shows no signs of wear or deterioration today.
The passenger seat has been reupholstered in brown leather, which looks sharp against the cream body and white top. The dashboard carries the switch for the original magneto, the sight glasses for the lubrication system, a clever rim-wind clock, and an accessory Jones Speedometer. The passenger enjoys a brass footrest, while the pedals on the driver’s side represent the modern arrangement, with the accelerator on the right, the brake in the middle, and the clutch on the left. The small pedal ahead of the brake is for the [fully functional] exhaust cut-out, while a second foot button closer to the seat engages the electric starter, which was added during the restoration.
The four-cylinder L-head engine was rated at 30 horsepower by White. It is capable of moving the lightweight little car at speeds of up to 50 MPH, and it happily cruises at 35, thanks to the 4-speed transmission. Clearly built to tour, thoughtful details include high-temperature wraps on the intake and exhaust pipes and a modern serpentine-style belt for the cooling fan.
The chassis is a delightful showcase of state-of-the-art 1912 technology, from the massive cast-aluminum oil pan to the separate 4-speed transmission that is coupled to the engine using a universal joint. You’ll also note that this car still carries its original (and fully functional) exhaust cut out, and what we believe is the original muffler. Tires are 34×4 Lester wide whitewalls on the original wood spoke wheels.
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