Bus [Ex Rangitoto North Shore Transport Company No.4]
Maker and role
White Motor Company, Manufacturer
Gilmour, Joll and Williams, Manufacturer
North Shore Transport Company, Other contributor
Production date
1923-1924
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
1965.511
Production period
Description
1924 "White" motor bus. Chassis/motor (petrol), White Motor Company (USA); bodywork, thought to be by Gilmore, Joel and Williams (Auckland) for Alf Smith, 23 seats. Engine: 4 cylinder side valve petrol-driven. Transmission: 4 forward speeds crash gear box, one reverse. Brakes: Mechanical linkage to the rear wheels. White/ Cream in colour with a dark green horizontal central stripe with yellow writing ' No.4 NORTH SHORE TRANSPORT Co. Ltd.' Black engine cover including hub caps and undercarriage is black. Internal has dark green leather seats with wooden structures. Central wooden steering wheel.
Brief History
This 23 seater bus is the oldest motor bus in MOTAT's collection, dating to the early 1920s. The bus was among the first to have a fully enclosed body, providing passengers protection from the weather, as well as a degree of comfort. As with a number of vehicles of this era, the body was built in New Zealand, but the chassis, being American, was constructed for left-hand drive. This meant passengers had to manoeuvre around the driver as they boarded.
By the mid-1920s, most tramway companies in New Zealand had begun to add buses to their fleets. Buses operated feeder services to tram terminals and serviced suburban developments. White Motor Company truck chassis were among those modified by adding bus bodies to become passenger vehicles.
No.4 was in the North Shore Transport Company's fleet. It served Devonport, Takapuna and Milford. It was then transferred to Waiheke Island. No.4 was last operated on Rangitoto Island, carrying passengers on scenic tours. In 1965, it was barged from Rangitoto to MOTAT where it was subsequently restored.
By the mid-1920s, most tramway companies in New Zealand had begun to add buses to their fleets. Buses operated feeder services to tram terminals and serviced suburban developments. White Motor Company truck chassis were among those modified by adding bus bodies to become passenger vehicles.
No.4 was in the North Shore Transport Company's fleet. It served Devonport, Takapuna and Milford. It was then transferred to Waiheke Island. No.4 was last operated on Rangitoto Island, carrying passengers on scenic tours. In 1965, it was barged from Rangitoto to MOTAT where it was subsequently restored.
Marks
White Embossed
North Shore Transport Co. Ltd. Printed
North Shore Transport Co. Ltd. Printed
Media/Materials
Other name
White Bus
Credit Line
White Motor Company et al. 1923-1924. Bus [Ex Rangitoto North Shore Transport Company No.4], 1965.511. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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