1913 Pope-Hartford Model 31 Roadster

Col. Albert Pope built a successful bicycle empire that benefitted from the bike popularity of the late 1800s. By the close of the decade, Pope had consolidated over 40 bicycle manufacturers into his American Bicycle Company. Along with these businesses came a strong and capable workforce, which gave Pope a strong basis to enter automobile manufacturing, which he did in the 1890s with the Columbia automobile. Primarily offering electric cars, the Pope automobile empire would eventually include numerous brands including Pope-Tribune, Pope-Toledo, Pope-Robinson, Pope-Waverley, and Pope-Hartford. The Pope-Hartford would be the only Pope brand built in the city of the company's headquarters, Hartford, Connecticut. The Pope-Hartford built a single-cylinder car in 1904, with a 4-cylinder model being offered in 1906.

The Pope-Hartford was a reliable and well-engineered automobile. With the exception of the unusual overhead valve engine, the cars were conservatively designed. They participated in racing and most famously won the San Francisco 'free for all' in 1909 with a 40 HP model, the event celebrating the 300th anniversary of Don Gaspar de Portola's discovery of the Bay Area. In celebration of the victory, Pope named one of their body styles, the 'Portola Roadster.'

This particular Pope-Hartford Model 31 'Portola' Roadster was acquired by the current owner in the early 2000s from collector Doug Mageehe in unrestored, though largely complete, condition. Since that time, it has been treated to a restoration, including a complete engine rebuild. It has tufted leather upholstery, a canvas top, specially branded Pope-Hartford Grey and Davis lighting, a four-speed transmission, and the engine is equipped with a fully rebuilt Bosch 'dual' magneto/battery system. Since the restoration was completed, it has only seen a handful of miles.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2014