From Newport Beach, California, we have a Yellowstone coach in running order looking for a new home. Advertised here on Craigslist for $20,000, it hasn’t moved one inch from Barn Finds’ last review one year ago, almost to the day. White Motor Company established a berth at Yellowstone starting in 1916 when tourists were ferried into the Park on its buses by the Cody-Sylvan Pass Motor Company, so it was only natural that Cody-Sylvan’s successor, the Yellowstone Park Transportation Company, would gravitate to White vehicles. The Model 15-45 was sold from 1920 through 1925; starting in 1922, the bodies were made by Bender Body, by now located near White’s Cleveland, Ohio headquarters. This example was manufactured in 1924 (aw, it had its centenary birthday last year!). All told, the YPTCo bought 120 White 15-45 buses.
The first 15-45s were powered by White’s 226 cu. in. four-cylinder engine making about 45 hp; this engine was uprated in 1923 with a 50 hp mill. Originally, the engine started on a hand crank, but this bus has been equipped with a Leece-Neville electric starter – a convenience for sure! The transmission is a floor-shift four-speed crash box (oh fun). The brakes are mechanical drums on the rear only. Steering is cam and lever.
The dash is as simple as they come; this photo is from a discussion about this vehicle on the Antique Automobile Club forum. The pressurized lubrication system warranted an oil pressure gauge. The coach seated either ten, eleven, or twelve persons, depending upon which source is consulted. Simultaneous with the production of the 15-45 bus, White was selling its 25-passenger model 50 bus with a solid roof to carry luggage. This coach retains its rear-mounted luggage trunk – considerably less roomy than the model 50’s roof. It also has its original exhaust whistles, meant to sound a bit like a steam locomotive.
The 15-45 was distinguished by a two-part windshield, each side with twin openings. The seller notes that this vehicle runs but it has not been driven in some time, and it will require a complete restoration. For inspiration, here’s a short video showing a restored example that sold at auction for around $92k. While I think this is massively cool, I’d prefer it stay in someone else’s garage; what do you think?
Come and listen to my story ’bout a man named Jed,,,did you know the Clampetts truck was not a truck at all, but a 1921 Oldsmobile model 43 ( I always thought it was a REO) with the back cut off? Yep, made by none other than George Barris. I get that show on my free( cough) Roku, and it was funny, yet incredibly well written. Just the concept alone was worth 9 seasons. Sadly, Buddy Ebsen never shook that hillbilly image.
There is an outfit, “Buses of Yellowstone Preservation Trust” that restored several newer ones from the 30s, I’m surprised it hasn’t gotten scooped up by now. I read these were used in The Black Hills, and many tourist spots. Few survived. It’s a rare find, for sure, and no takers? Oh, oh,,,,y’all come back now, hear?
I could only imagine driving this with a load of passengers going down a hill with only rear brakes!!! But its still here in one piece. I hope it gets restored like the other newer buses that Howard mentioned This is a really nice piece of history for sure.
Asking price a bit optimistic for a really rough coach that even if it finds a new home leaves the question of “what to do with it now”.
I think it’s best home would be at a visitors’ center from one of the parks that used them.
Finally a real man’s car on barn finds. Practical, good looks and will drive women crazy.
I may not want the vehicle, but I’d love the garage that fits it@
It’s going to take some very deep pockets to restore this one.
But I bet when it’s done you won’t see another one anytime soon.
I hope someone restores it and sends a picture to barn find so we can see it when it’s finished…
After one year the seller should probably drop the price.
I drove a Miata through Yellowstone last year. Such a disappointment. Too much traffic. The crowds have ruined it. If I were a younger man, I would back pack the back country where I suspect it still holds its luster. Same trip, needed a reservation on the road to the sun in Glacier. I guess that is to limit the traffic jams, but I didn’t make THE CUT. You NEED exact dates and times made months in advance, which takes the spontaneity out of it and ruins the rest of the trip getting there, if you know what I mean. I miss the good old days.
I am surprised the city of Newport hasn’t bought it.
My brother sold his 40 Buick to Huntington Beach to become a police car for their parades.
This would be a great vehicle for the towns parades on the peninsula.
I would love this to be part of my collection, but the asking price is way to high for my budget.
I would be willing to fork out 2900, plus the shipping of around 5,000. that is the max I would be willing to fork out.
How often are you going to drive it, and for what application?
Being a Newport native, I love historical pieces, I ain’t dumb enough to throw down money needlessly.