3 hp, 60-volt DC motor, direct drive, semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension, electric driveline brake, and two-wheel mechanical brakes. Wheelbase: 61 in.

• Elegant early electric car

• Excellent older restoration

• Ex-Jack Frost Collection

The Waverly Electric arose in 1898, from the consolidation of the American Electric Car Company with Colonel Albert Pope’s Indiana Bicycle Company. Pope, the Connecticut bicycle magnate who had assembled 50 companies into the so-called “bicycle trust,” was also busy attempting to sew up the automobile market by purchasing the rights to the Selden Patent. The electric cars built in Indianapolis were to be known as “Waverley” until 1904, at which time they became Pope-Waverleys, probably to complement the Colonel’s Pope-Hartford, Pope-Toledo, and Pope-Tribune.

Pope expanded the product line to ten models on six wheelbases, with names like “Chelsea,” “Speed Road Wagon,” and “Physician’s Road Wagon,” as well as the “Runabout.” He may have been too ambitious, and in 1907, the company went into receivership. In September 1908, the Indianapolis factory was sold to a local group of investors who reorganized the company and built cars under the Waverley name until 1916.

An older restoration, this 1906 Pope-Waverley Runabout came from the Jack Frost Collection in the 1980s. Attractive in Brewster Green, it has black leather fenders with a cream chassis and running gear. The seating is upholstered in buttoned dark green leather. As typical of electric cars, this one has all-electric lighting, black carriage lamps in the front, and a single brass taillamp at the rear.

The paint exhibits a good shine but has some minor chipping. The upholstery shows no cracks or wear. The running gear is clean, showing just a few signs of use. A good overall detailing would make this car a stunner. A true plug-in electric, it has been run regularly and exemplifies a bygone era.