Pope at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours

 by Willy Vinton
© Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum

Last week we headed south for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in "not always sunny" Monterey, California.

Tim Cerny, the museum owner, finally got to see our 1906 Pope Toledo Type XII when we rolled the car out of the trailer (above right). As you can see from the pictures, it is a stunning car, with nary a flat panel on it.  Our friend Marlene refers to it as the Jane Mansfield car, "big headlights and lots of curves!" We had to fight the brass-tarnishing mist to get the car ready for showing, but we had her ready on time. Many thanks to Al and Paul Murray, of Murray Motor Car, for their hard work getting the Pope-Toledo ready for the Concours.

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A real work of art lies under the Pope-Toledo's hood. The blend of polished steel, aluminum, brass, and copper are a sight that you really need to see in person, as the pictures just do not do it justice.

 

The right side of the engine is even more fun to look at than the left side. The engine has atmospheric intake valves that make a unique buzz sound when it runs, and you will be amazed at how slowly this engine will run. The advertised range of 200 to 1200 rpm would push the car from 5 mph to 60 mph without shifting out of high gear, a true "mile-a-minute" car as the company advertised.

The cowl on the Type XII Pope-Toledo is quite striking, with its brass rail following the curvature of the dash. A very unique oiling drip gauge mounted on the right side of the dash is a must-see (you will have to come see it in person when it arrives).  The car was restored in 1956-57 and retains the same paint and upholstery that was done then. It still looks like new!






At right is the Pope-Toledo on the 18th green of the Pebble Beach Golf Course. Approximately ten-thousand people crowded the field to view the Concours and most stopped by to admire the Pope. It always helps to have a pretty lady dressed in period attire alongside the car...




We were very pleased when we learned that the Pope-Toledo won Third in Class (A1-Antiques) and the Ansel Adams special award. Next up is the Kirkland Concourse d'Elegance at the LeMay Museum on September 8, then North to Alaska!

Coming to Fairbanks to see the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum and other area attractions? Support the museum by staying at one of the Fountainhead Hotels. All guests receive half-price admission to the museum!