Not all yellow buses are for schoolkids—some have a far more adventurous history. Take this 1936 White Model 706, for instance. It once roamed the scenic landscapes of Yellowstone National Park, ferrying tourists through its natural wonders, but its latest pit stop was at Jay Leno’s Garage.
While similar buses still operate in national parks today, often with modern upgrades, this particular 16-passenger gem was rescued and meticulously restored by Winslow Bent, founder of Legacy Classic Trucks. Bent is no stranger to Leno’s Garage, having previously showcased a six-wheeled Dodge Power Wagon there.
White, a company that began in 1858 as a sewing machine manufacturer, eventually expanded into the automotive world, including steam cars that became the first official vehicles of the White House. Over time, the company pivoted to producing larger vehicles, from World War II half-tracks to buses like this one.
Much like modern commercial trucks, White provided only the cab and chassis for this bus, leaving the bodywork to be completed by a specialist. This bus’s body was crafted by Henri Binder, a renowned coachbuilder who also designed bodies for luxury brands like Duesenberg and Hispano-Suiza. The iconic grille and narrow hood, however, are signature White components.
Under the hood, you’ll find a 318-cubic-inch inline-6 engine, which Bent estimates produces around 120 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. It might not sound like much, but this flathead engine runs so quietly it’s ideal for cruising through nature without startling the wildlife.
The bus features a 4-speed manual transmission, unsynchronized and demanding skill to operate—earning drivers the nickname “Gear Jammers.” Braking also requires finesse, as the four-wheel drum brakes weren’t exactly designed for sudden stops.
This bus, one of 150 purchased by the federal government, racked up an incredible 600,000 miles in its service, navigating mostly unpaved roads. Given the wear and tear, it’s astonishing that enough of the original bus remained to restore. Its body is made of wood, while other parts combine steel and aluminum, creating a delicate balance prone to corrosion from galvanic reactions.
While the streets of Los Angeles can’t quite match the majesty of Yellowstone, this beautifully restored bus still turns heads wherever it goes. Catch a glimpse of it in action in the embedded video.