Offered from the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu
1904 Pope Tribune 6hp Two-Seater

• Rare American Veteran
• In Europe since 1965
• Part of the National Motor Museum Collection since 1979
• An older restoration
• Requires recommissioning

This Pope Tribune is powered by a 6hp, single cylinder, water-cooled, 1,024cc engine with 4½"x4" bore/stroke revving to 1,200rpm. There is a two-speeds-plus-reverse gearbox and shaft drive to the rear axle. Brakes are fitted to the clutch and rear axle.

This car is currently displayed in the Museum, serving as a 'self-portrait' photography prop. It was imported from the USA to the Republic of Ireland in 1965, passing into the ownership of a collector in Kilkenny. There are black and white photographs of the 1966 restoration in Ireland.

In February 1966 the then owner applied to get the car dated by the VCC, this being determined as 1904. However, the Dating Committee declined to issue a certificate as they were not happy with the look of the bonnet (see letter on file). "Regarding the issue of a certificate: this cannot now be done as the original dating was undertaken by the Dating Committee of the Veteran Car Club, whereas dating is now undertaken by the Dating Advisory Committee of the Veteran Car Company Limited. Duplicate, amended, or replacement certificates cannot be issued but the original dating of 1904 is still valid". The car was later acquired by an owner in the UK, eventually passing into the ownership of the National Motor Museum in 1979. Originally used in the Museum's education classroom, in recent years it has served as a photographic prop.

The Irish registration 'NIP 4' was allocated on importation from the USA. The current age-related registration 'EL 411' was issued by the Local Vehicle Licencing Office in Bournemouth. Correspondence states that "the car was designed before January 1905 and constructed not later than 31st December 1905".

Some anomalies exist: although chassis/engine number '525' is claimed and listed on the V5C registration document, '525' is also claimed on a car sold in the USA in 2022. Furthermore, the number '1898' is clearly visible on the engine of this car, with '20' stamped nearby.

The Museum has completed a rigorous vehicle review process prompted by its plans to significantly enhance and update displays, which was aligned with its Collections Development Policy and guided by the Museums Association Code of Ethics and Disposal Toolkit.