1925 White Model 15-45 Yellowstone Park Tour Bus

This vehicle was once part of a fleet of buses that carries visitors through the rugged terrain of Yellowstone National Park in the early 20th century. It was part of a fleet of vehicles purchased by the Yellowstone Park Transportation Company (YPT Co.) from White Motor Company in 1925. In 1939, the YPT Co. opted to extend the touring season and replaced the open coaches with new, enclosed buses; they sold the fleet of open buses, ending the era of open-air touring in Yellowstone National Park.

After the buses were retired, most were sold to farmers, who modified them for farm use. After a time, most were lost to history.

This bus was bus number 310 and retains its original engine. It wears a body by the Bender Body Company of Cleveland. After World War II, it was acquired by a family in northern Washington State, where it was stored until being acquired by its current caretaker. A full restoration followed. An original-type honeycomb radiator core was imported from England. The wooden frame of the body was reproduced using wood patterns from an original Bender bus body. The original White GR engine was rebuilt with new piston rings. The valves were ground and new valve guides were installed. New 9x22-inch tires were mounted.

The engine is a Type GR L-head four-cylinder engine displacing 226 cubic inches and offering 45 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission, a wheelbase that measures 143.5 inches, and there are drum brakes at the rear.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2016