White House Cars Throughout History
In 1909, Congress reluctantly appropriated $12,000 to purchase the first two White House motor cars, despite heated protests. Since then, automobiles were clearly the future, quickly transforming America’s landscape, economy, and society. The country’s full acceptance of the car as the official mode of presidential transport instead of the traditional horse and carriage was completed in the inaugural parade of President-Elect Warren G. Harding.

The Pierce Arrow – 1909
A chauffeur in the Pierce Arrow outside of the White House garage.

White Motor Company Model M – 1909
A chauffeur in the White Motor Company Model M, one of the first two White House motor cars, outside of the White House garage in 1909.

A Shopping Trip
President William Howard Taft’s daughter Helen and the Pierce Arrow after shopping in Northwest Washington, D.C., 1909.

The Pierce Arrow landaulet – 1912
Alice Roosevelt Longworth in the Taft Pierce Arrow landaulet in 1912.

Baker Electric Special Victoria –1912
The two-person automobile was used by First Lady Helen Herron Taft and four other first ladies.

Touring Car
President Woodrow Wilson in his Pierce Arrow Touring Car.

Parade Ride – 1919
President Woodrow Wilson and First Lady Edith Wilson ride in a parade in downtown Los Angeles, promoting the League of Nations.

A Drive in Washington – 1920
President Woodrow Wilson and First Lady Edith Wilson in Washington, D.C., 1920.

The Pierce Arrow Limousine – 1920
First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson in the Pierce Arrow limousine in Northwest Washington, D.C.

Wilsons’ Pierce Arrow
The Wilsons’ Pierce Arrow is displayed at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library in Staunton, Virginia, in front of his birthplace, The Manse.

Locomobile – 1921
President Warren G. Harding Locomobile, in 1921, while he was a senator. He brought it to the White House from Marion, Ohio.

Pierce Arrow Limousine – 1923
President Warren G. Harding and his military aides with the Pierce Arrow limousine in 1923.
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