William Howard Taft (1909-1913) • Baker Electric
Taft’s presidential administration was the first to switch to cars from the old horse and buggy. It was also the first to supply vehicles for official presidential use. Ahead of his time, the 27th president included in his fleet an environmentally friendly Baker Electric, the actual car shown here which is housed in the Petersen Automotive Museum in California. Using a $12,000 appropriation, the first White House chauffeur was given the job of identifying the most appropriate vehicles. Seeking the “best deals”, he purchased a White Steamer, two Pierce-Arrows, and this Baker Electric.
