Lot 6050A

Auburn Fall 2021

1936 White Model 706 'Yellowstone National Park' Tour Bus

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$550,000 USD | Sold

United States | Auburn, Indiana

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Identification No.
194368
Documents
US Title
  • One of 98 produced for Yellowstone National Park tourist service
  • Designed partially attributed by Alexis de Sakhnoffsky
  • Modern V-8 with Allision automatic transmission
  • Upgraded with power steering
  • Proceeds of the sale will benefit The Bighorn Basin Paleontological Institute

For decades, generations of visitors to Yellowstone National Park enjoyed the unparalleled experience of touring the park’s spectacular landscape in luxurious open-air buses. Produced by the White Company of Cleveland, Ohio and operated by the privately owned Yellowstone Park Transportation Company, these iconic buses chauffeured visitors on the adventure of a lifetime. The last generation of these was the White 706.

White became the provider-of-choice for the majority of tour vehicles provided to the US National Park Service and Yellowstone National Park starting in 1917. Ninety-eight Model 706s were delivered to Yellowstone between 1936 and 1938, including 27 in 1936. Amazingly, the vehicles remained in operation until they were phased out in the 1960s.

The 706 owes its handsome design to legendary industrial stylist Alexis de Sakhnoffsky with assistance from White president R. F. Black and Herman Bender of the Bender Body Company. de Sakhnoffsky was responsible for the streamlined grille and Bender built everything from the cowl back. Fourteen passengers could be accommodated. The roof is fitted with a canvas top offering open-air views.

Bus #364 has been equipped with a modern V-8 engine built for low-end torque to climb mountain passes and, more importantly, afford engine braking on steep downhills. It is shifted via an Allison three-speed automatic transmission and hardened steel flywheel for heavy-duty operation. Radial tires have been installed along with power steering. The rebuilt steering column is fitted with a modified period steering wheel. A temperature gauge and turn signals have been included for additional safety. During restoration, the owner specified installation of a 3000-watt power inverter to run Christmas lights for the holidays and a margarita machine as a delicious way to end outings in the summer.

Where will this beautiful 706 take you? Adventure awaits!