c.1904 Pope-Tribune 6HP Twin-Cylinder Runabout

The Amelia Island Auction|7 March 2019, 13:00 EST|Fernandina Beach Golf Club

c.1904 Pope-Tribune 6HP Twin-Cylinder Runabout
Engine no. 525

2-Cylinder Engine
6bhp
2-Speed Sliding-Gear Transmission
Front and Rear Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs
Rear Differential Brake

*Offered from the Don C. Boulton Collection
*Among the rarest Pope automobiles, from the foremost Pope collector
*High-quality restoration in attractive condition

THE POPE TRIBUNE 6HP

The smallest and least-costly of the numerous fine automobiles produced by Colonel Albert Pope's empire, the Pope-Tribune was manufactured in a former bicycle factory at Hagerstown, Maryland. It was unusual for a small car of its period in having very advanced and high-quality features, including modern shaft drive and a sliding-gear transmission in a period when even large cars used chain drive and a planetary transmission.

Over the four years following its introduction in 1904, the Pope-Tribune steadily grew larger and more powerful, until it had priced and sized itself out of its original market. With numerous competitors, including those from other Pope factories, its sales fizzled, and it was out of production and the factory sold in 1908. The quality of the car itself endured, however, and the survivors are fiercely prized by American Veteran automobile enthusiasts. Seldom-seen compared even to its scarce Pope-Hartford, Pope-Toledo, and Waverley corporate cousins, it is among the rarest offerings of the Pope empire.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Don C. Boulton was perhaps America's foremost enthusiast of the Pope automobile and made an effort to gather as many examples from as many of the Colonel's factories as possible – a feat in which he succeeded. Naturally he desired a Pope-Tribune and eventually purchased this car, which had been acquired as a chassis and engine. It was restored in a striking combination of pale green with a rich dark green chassis and moldings, tufted black leather upholstery, and a black victoria top. The bodywork was copied precisely by Art Bergstrom from an original 1904 Pope-Tribune that was also in The Henry Ford museum, using exacting measurements of the body and fenders. Accessories including Neverout lamps and "Ever-Ready" clock and combination speedometer/odometer.

Very attractive and charming, this is a jaunty and cheerful automobile, with specifications far ahead of others of its time. Offered with a collection of correspondence, an original 1904 Pope-Tribune parts book, and a black-and-white reproduction of a manual, would be an ideal vehicle for one- and two-cylinder tours or, in the best tradition of Mr. Boulton, completing one's collection of fine Pope-built automobiles.

Saleroom notices

Please note, this vehicle is a single cylinder engine, not a twin cylinder engine as specified. Additionally, the title for this vehicle will be in transit.

Additional information

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