Vehicle Description
Like many early automakers, The Pope Manufacturing Company
initially focused on bicycles, soon becoming one of the largest
volume bicycle producers in the country. It was only logical that,
when the bicycle boom slowed down, Colonel Albert A. Pope would
shift his focus to motorcars. Cars gradually entered the picture
through several of Colonel Albert Pope's many companies, including
Columbia, which primarily produced electric vehicles beginning in
1897. The first car to bear the Pope-Hartford name was built in
Hartford, Connecticut, and made its debut at the New York Auto Show
in January 1904. The two-place Model A runabout was constructed on
a 78-inch wheelbase, powered by a 10-horsepower single-cylinder
engine, and came equipped with lights but no top. The Model B was
largely the same but used additional rear spring leaves to
accommodate the heavier rear entrance tonneau body. These two
initial models were followed by the Model D in 1905. This new
five-passenger touring car had a longer 88-inch wheelbase and was
powered by a water-cooled 16-horsepower horizontal two-cylinder
engine. The much-improved Model D, while more expensive, was less
powerful than the two-cylinder competition from Buick and
Oldsmobile. Pope-Hartford transitioned to four-cylinder power with
the 20-25 horsepower Model F in 1906. Facing financial challenges,
the company struggled to pay its suppliers, and the Pope Companies
went into receivership in 1907. When the company emerged, it was
smaller, solvent, and exclusively focused on building four-cylinder
cars for the next few years. In 1911, the company introduced the
50-horsepower Model W, which was powered by a large overhead valve
four-cylinder engine displacing 389.9 cubic inches. Paired with a
four-speed transmission, power reached the rear axle via shaft
drive. Suspension was provided by leaf springs, and mechanically
actuated drum brakes were fitted to the rear axle. Riding on a
124-inch wheelbase, it was offered in six body styles with prices
ranging from $3,000 to $4,150. This fabulous 1911 Pope-Hartford
Model W Touring is a stunning example of Brass Era performance
motoring. Finished in vibrant green with black coach stripes and
yellow pinstriping, this Pope commands attention and possesses
incredible presence. Little is known about its earliest history,
but the most recent owner acquired it from the late Dave Noran, a
well-known figure in brass car circles. The previous owner was also
a passionate brass-era enthusiast who continued to show and enjoy
the car as it deserved. Still appearing fresh and impeccably
detailed, the green bodywork is finished to concours-quality
standards, with outstanding paintwork on the chassis and body
components. Running boards and floors are finished with
period-appropriate linoleum panels, and the seats are beautifully
trimmed in black leather. Accessories include Gray & Davis
headlamps, Gray & Davis cowl lamps, a Warner speedometer and clock,
and numerous beautifully restored brass fittings. Interestingly,
the car features different-sized wheels front and back, and the
twin side-mounted spares have one of each! As with the rest of the
car, the detailing on the mighty 389.9 cubic-inch T-head
four-cylinder engine is impeccable. It is in excellent condition
throughout, showing only light use on the undercarriage since its
restoration. The chassis is presented as beautifully as the
bodywork, with fine-quality paint and painstakingly striped frame,
springs, and front axle. It has continued to impress in the hands
of its most recent owner, a passionate brass car enthusiast. Deeply
impressive and possessing incredible presence, this 50HP Pope
Hartford is an exquisitely restored motorcar that would be a
thrilling entry in brass era tours and a welcome addition to
concours events worldwide. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7578-1911-pope-hartford-model-w-touring/
