1908 White Model L Touring Car

In the early days of the automobile, there were three sources for powering a vehicle: gasoline, electricity, and steam. There were pluses and minuses for each. The drawback to steam is that it sometimes took up to 30 minutes before the car could be driven.

The White Company emerged from the White Sewing Machine Company in Cleveland, Ohio. Rollin White believed in steam power and in the late 1890s designed an engine that was safe and durable.

The first White Steam Car was produced in 1900 and they were produced until 1911. This White Model L is one of a mere 1,024 produced. It has a two-cylinder 20-horsepower steam engine.

While the early White Steam cars had the engine mounted under the floor, the Model L has the engine mounted in the front and it is fitted under the hood.

This is an imposing and impressive car with its Roi-d'Belge coachwork and significant brass trim. This includes the huge Rushmore headlamps, and it is a very original example. Well preserved over the years, this car features all of its original mechanical, chassis, and body fittings and still wears its original leather upholstery.