Date Uploaded: November 7, 2025
Permanent Link: http://wnhpc.com/details/photo2210
Source: WPLives.org
Source Caption: The V&T’s second motor car was ordered from the White Company of Cleveland, Ohio. White manufactured sewing machines, roller skates, bicycles, lathes, and phonographs before entering the truck and internal-combustion-engine business. V&T gasoline motor car No. 23 had a body made by White subcontractor Thomson-Graf-Edler of San Francisco. The 25-passenger, wood-and- metal open bus body was mounted on a White Model GTB chassis. With a four-cylinder engine that developed 30 horsepower, the 16-foot car weighed two tons and cost $3,040. V&T Vice President Alexander M. Ardery acquired the car “to take the place of the motor car [No. 22] when required for small crowds.” After road testing by White on Southern Pacific track in San Francisco, V&T No. 23 arrived at Carson City on a flat car in July 1917 and was immediately placed in service.
The July 23, 1917 trip to Minden and Virginia City by the new motor car (nicknamed Canary for its bright-yellow finish) was documented by a short clip of nitrate motion-picture footage that still exists. The car saw use on all 67 miles of the V&T. It was converted for mail-express-baggage service In 1929, with its passenger capacity reduced to eight.
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