One of three known to exist. Ex-Harrah’s, completely restored and documented in 1996 issue of “Automobile Quarterly.” Outfitted for safe, reliable, fast touring. Amazing! This 1913 Pope-Hartford Model 33 4-passenger touring is one of just 228 Model 33s built before the company closed and is one of only three 4-passenger touring models to exist today. Discovered in Puerto Rico in 1962 by the late Ralph Dunwoodie, who acquired it for the Harrah Collection from Humberto L. Lieva. Harrah’s owned the car for more than twenty years, and started a full restoration just prior to the massive dissolution auction following Bill Harrah’s passing. It was acquired in a complete but unfinished state by the Evans Collection of San Diego, who completed the Harrah’s restoration under the guidance of Pope-Hartford expert Temple Baldwin. The process and finished product was documented in an extensive article on the marque in ‘Automobile Quarterly’ in 1996. The car remained with the Evans Collection until 2008, when it was purchased by Magee Collection, who outfitted it for touring. Imposing and delightfully finished in bright red coachwork, it stands in marked contrast to many of its contemporaries in its restrained use of brass (think: less polishing) and sleek 4-passenger bodywork. Finish quality is excellent throughout, with only very minor signs of wear and use, a testament to the quality of the restoration work and the care it has received since it was completedSingle gold pinstripes outline each of the body panels, including the running-board mounted tool box, giving it a wonderfully ornate look up close. It has been fitted with period Gray & Davis headlights, as well as a starter/generator for trouble-free starting and operation without the need to hand crank the massive engine. As you would expect, it is all fully functional. The black leather interior remains in exemplary condition, again with only the most minor signs of wear and age. Front seat occupants are treated to body-hugging black leather barrel-style seats that are most welcome in a car with the performance potential of the Model 33, and the driver is treated to a beautifully refinished wooden firewall with an array of gauges, levers, and knobs that offer a delightfully retro-tech look. Rear seat occupants are treated to more button-tufted black leather, plus doors with built-in map pockets, and thanks to stadium-style seating, they have a commanding view of the road. A full complement of weather equipment, including a folding top with matching boot, side curtains, plus front and rear tonneau covers, means that it ready to enjoy immediately. Other welcome upgrades include an on-board fire suppression system, built-in battery charger, brake and signal lights, and a period-correct temperature gauge.
Mechanically, the Pope-Hartford 389 cubic inch OHV inline-four is a wonder of engineering. With a forged steel crankshaft, pushrods with low-friction ball sockets at both ends, and roller camshafts made of case-hardened nickel steel, it is thoroughly modern in specification and operation. The exposed valve gear is delightful to watch in operation and the big four has a deep baritone quite unlike anything else you’ve heard recently. Beautifully finished with black enamel, polished brass and copper fittings, and wonderfully ornate cast aluminum, the engine bay is a visual treat for fans of the era and surely an inspiration for future restorers.
Underneath, the chassis has been detailed and painted to match the bodywork. More raw aluminum and painted steel gives it a purposeful look, and you will note that every component has been restored to original specifications, not replaced with a convenient modern equivalent. The transmission’s straight-cut gears make a wonderful mechanical symphony and it’s easy enough to master, and thanks to smart gearing and those tall tires, it’s a legitimate 50 MPH automobile. Recent service work includes new tires and batteries, so it is ready to tour immediately.
Big brass era cars remain enormously popular with enthusiasts, and road-going locomotives like this Pope-Hartford are delightful examples of why that is the case. Thundering horsepower combined with a mechanical sophistication that few of its peers could claim, this Pope-Hartford Model 33 is a superlative example of a seldom-seen marque. With an impressive history, this is a very rare opportunity to own a very special brass automobile For more details and photos, please visit www.VintageMotorCarsUSA.com.
