1910 White Model O-O Five-Passenger Touring Steam Car
Registration no. TBC
Chassis no. 8956


White Steamers were manufactured in Cleveland, Ohio from 1900 until 1910 by the White Motor Company. White invented the semi-flash boiler, at that time an important advance in steam technology. Their steamers were of excellent quality, and many were purchased by prominent individuals, including President Taft and John D Rockefeller. In fact, a White was the only automobile present President Theodore Roosevelt's inaugural parade in 1905. In 1910, White made a successful foray into the manufacture of gasoline-powered vehicles, selling nearly as many of those as it had steam cars. The numbers were fairly even again in 1911, but that was the final year for White steamers, the last of which left the factory in January of that year. Of the 10,000 steam cars built by White, it is estimated that only some 150 survive, around 20 of these in the UK. They are viewed by many as the finest of the early steam cars, well built and costly when new, and greatly appreciated today.

This handsome example of the Model OO is offered for sale from the estate of the late Arthur Thomson, a noted collector of early motor cars and a regular sight on Veteran and Edwardian car rallies, with this and his Arrol-Johnston. The White's early history and origins are not known at this time, but it is recorded on the US White Register as being first known to them in 1978 when it was owned by Tom Grant, then passing to Willis Smith in 1988, followed by Fran Duvenick a decade later, after which it appears to have arrived n the UK, owned first by Brian Chessell in 1999 and latterly Mr Thomson. Major works carried out for the period 2008-2016 include the following:

Complete engine rebuild including, new crankshaft, con-rods, valve gear, re-bore, new pistons, piston rings, piston valves and rings; replace both rear hubs, prop-shaft, re-temper and reset rear springs; replace drive pulley to fan; modify pump and fuel valve seals to 'O' rings; replace super-heater grid; replace kingpin bushes; replace thermostat housing; replace throttle valve; new water tank.

The White was clearly well restored at some time, it is believed in the USA, with high quality upholstery and paintwork, and the restoration has now aged gently through use. As ever with steam cars, a thorough examination and familiarisation is advised before returning it to service. A full listing of the vehicle's specification is available and the engineer who's looked after '8956' in recent times is happy to assist the new owner.