Pope Waverly and Victor 1906 to be auctioned

The USA-built centegenarian duo - an elegantly-named 1906 Pope Waverley Victoria Phaeton and 1907 Victor High Wheel Electric Runabout - come to sale at Historics major summer auction at Brooklands Museum, Surrey, UK on Saturday, June 11, at an estimate of 30.000 to 40.000 pounds.

The 1906 Pope Waverley Victoria Phaeton sold at the time of its build in Nebraska for some $1,600, and is notable for its supreme presentation.  Fully-restored and elegant in the extreme, the convertible features a leather-lined hood, with the additional sumptuous comfort of complementary leg covers.

Seating two on the floral print, button-back fabric ‘bench’ seat plus a rear-facing occasional seat, the car is steered by tiller and rudimentary but extremely effective controls to go and stop. With electric coach lamps, it is fully capable of nighttime expeditions but it is in its element with the roof down on a summer’s day.

Brought to the UK by the vendor some years ago, the Pope Waverley is now equipped with modern technology batteries and charging system giving it a very useable range.

The very compact 1907 Victor High Wheel Runabout, built in Indianapolis, spent many years on display in an American Museum before being imported to the UK, when it was the subject of a complete sympathetic overhaul. This included the fitment of contemporary batteries and charging system, and a recent repaint of both the chassis and bodywork, together with black leather upholstery and far from rudimentary patent leather mudguards to protect its inhabitants. As is the case of the Pope Waverley, vision is superb from the high driving position.

Perhaps today’s EV manufacturers could take a cue from the Victor, which is equipped with a large bell on the driver’s side so pedestrians are aware of its stately approach.