Founded in 1858 by Thomas White, the White Manufacturing Company originally produced sewing machines, before shifting to building automobiles in the emerging auto industry. In 1900, Thomas’ son, Rollin, received a patent for his semi-flash boiler, and by October the first car had been completed. White automobiles quickly earned a reputation for quality, reliability, and performance.

This 1908 White Model L was purchased new by William Mohr, a noted iris-hybridizer and plant breeder in California. Little is known about Mr. Mohr’s use of this White. In summer 1923, while en route to a picnic in a friend’s car, Mr. Mohr and his family were struck by a train at the S. P. railroad crossing on the Hayward-Mt. Eden Highway. Tragically, the accident claimed the lives of William, his wife, and 3 others. Only their daughter, Marian Mohr, survived the incident. Marian retained the family cars, carriages, and bicycles in the farm barn. The mild climate helped preserve this White in remarkably good condition – most notably the leather interior, which looks untouched. Moreover, on initial inspection the factory-supplied owner’s and operation manuals were found safely housed beneath the driver’s seat.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire an exceptionally high-quality 1908 White Model L – one of only 12 known survivors – retained in single family ownership since new, fantastically preserved in a barn since 1923, and never restored. This extraordinary automobile would make an outstanding addition to an early automobile collection.