White began producing steam-powered cars in 1900, quickly earning a reputation for quality. As the industry shifted toward internal combustion engines, White introduced its own gasoline model in 1910. The new cars were so successful that steam production ended by 1911, marking White’s full transition to gasolinepowered automobiles.

This White Model 4-45 is a time-capsule example of what is regarded as the first dual-cowl production car built in America, with handsome styling by Leon Rubay. It was purchased new in 1915 by William Mohr, a noted iris-hybridizer and plant breeder from Central 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. Benefiting from the relatively mild climate of Northern California, the White has remained in outstanding, unrestored condition for the past 102 years, complete with its original documentation and California license plates. Not only does this present a rare opportunity to acquire a White Model 4-45, but it is also an exceptionally remarkable chance to obtain a highly preserved, unrestored Nickel Era automobile that has remained in single family ownership since new.