A rare 1911 Pope-Hartford Model W, believed to be one of only eight remaining worldwide, was destroyed along with its owner’s home and a 1911 Ford Model T in the Old Trail Fire in Spokane, Washington. The loss is significant because the vehicle was a carefully preserved example of an early luxury car and represented part of a small surviving number of Pope-Hartford models.

Owner Don Poffenroth, founder of Dry Fly Distilling, learned of the destruction while travelling to Montana for a fishing trip. The fire crossed the Spokane River on 1 August and, driven by extreme heat and strong winds, destroyed more than 600 structures; Poffenroth had recently fitted new mechanical parts and had hoped to drive the 50-horsepower car from Seattle to Philadelphia. Antique-car enthusiasts have since offered support and restoration advice.