1903 Pope-Hartford Model B Tonneau

Colonel Albert Pope consolidated 45 bicycle manufacturers into a 'bicycle trust' that enjoyed a brief period of prosperity before the decline of the bicycle industry in 1903 due to an oversupply of products. Although this industry collapsed, Pope had thought ahead and diversified into the burgeoning automobile industry. In 1897, he entered the horseless carriage market with an electric car marketed under the name Columbia, the same used for his bicycles. These electric models, along with a few gasoline models, were among the most popular on the market before they were overtaken by the Stanley-designed Locomobile steamer as America's best-selling car.

The Pope-Hartford was the first of Pope's scheme to build automobiles in many cities using his own name and the surname sourced from its home city. The prototype car was a single-cylinder model built in the summer of 1903 and introduced to the market shortly thereafter. The Model A was a runabout, while the Model B was a tonneau tourer. A twin-cylinder car arrived in 1905, and a four-cylinder model appeared a year later. In 1911, a six-cylinder car was introduced.

When Pope passed away in 1909, his brother George took over the leadership; receivership followed in 1913. In January 1915, Pope-Hartford sold the last of its factories to aircraft entrepreneurs Pratt & Whitney.

This 1903 Model B Rear-Entry Tonneau is believed to be one of the earliest known Pope-Hartfords to have survived. It is a fully restored example that was awarded an Antique Automobile Club of America National Senior Award medallion in 1985. The single-cylinder engine is paired with a two-speed planetary transmission that transmits power to the rear axle via a single chain. The bodywork is painted red and accented with black moldings and double gold pinstriping. The upholstery is black buttoned leather.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2024