An ultra rare 1911 car was one of the last eight in the world before it was destroyed in an Old Trail fire in Spokane, Washington this August.
Don Poffenroth, the former founder of Dry Fly Distilling, purchased a 1911 Pope-Hartford Model W car shortly after his retirement. It was added to his collection alongside a 1911 Ford Model T he purchased about a decade ago.
Poffenroth was on the way to a fly-fishing trip in Montana when he heard the news that a rapid spreading wildfire destroyed every home in his cul-de-sac and both of his collectable cars.
'It's devastating,' Poffenroth said. 'I feel like I didn't take care of it. Nothing in my control, obviously, but after it lasted this long, I'm deeply saddened,' he told The Spokane Review.
The collector has been an avid member of the Horseless carriage Club of America, which is a national antique automobile organization focused on preserving and promoting vehicles built before 1916.
Throughout history, Pope Manufacturing Co has created fewer than 700 vehicles in 1911. This made Poffenroth's purchase a rare find, with the car fully restored during the 1970s and kept in immaculate condition ever since.
The Model W was considered a high luxury option that could reach up 60 mph and last 300 miles before needing gas in its large tank.
He was planning to use the four-cylinder 50 horsepower touring car to go on a transcontinental tour of America from Seattle to Philadelphia.
Throughout history, Pope Manufacturing Co has created fewer than 700 vehicles in 1911. This made Don Poffenroth's purchase a rare find including its 1970s restoration
The Model W was considered a high luxury option that could reach up 60 mph and last 300 miles before needing gas in its large tank. It was added to his collection alongside a 1911 Ford Model T he purchased about a decade ago
The charred remains of the Model W are pictured after this month's devastating Old Trail Fire in Spokane, Washington
On August 1st, the extreme fire spread across Spokane river into Poffenroth's residential neighborhood. It has been one of the most destructive fires in Washington state history as strong wind and extreme heat destroyed over 600 structures.
Only four weeks before the disaster hit, he shared to his social media that he replaced a new speedometer in the vehicle along with wheel end drive and gears parts.
Members of the antique car community have united together as a tight-knit support for him. He said he doesn't know anyone else who could replace parts or troubleshoot problems when fixing their old car models.
'We made parts together, we manufactured together,' he said.
'When anyone started a project, it would circulate – I made these parts; who wants some?'
On social media he described the tragedy as 'a hard day' and that he is 'holding cherished remains for other restorers'
His followers and other people in the community shared their reactions.
One user commented: 'This just sucks, so very sorry for the losses Don. '
On August 1st, the extreme fire spread across Spokane river into Poffenroth's residential neighborhood. It has been one of the most destructive fires in Washington State History as strong wind and extreme heat destroyed over 600 structures (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
The wildfire has been one of the most destructive fires in Washington state history as strong wind and extreme heat destroyed over 600 structures (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
On social media Poffenroth described the tragedy as 'a hard day' and that he is 'holding cherished remains for other restorers' (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Another said: 'We lost our home in the Eaton fire and having no guidance was brutal. We created a nonprofit that gives fire survivors step by step expert guidance through every phase of recovery. Maybe it can be helpful to you. The LA community who lost it all is with you.'
'I have heard from people across the country giving me ideas for new cars or trying to share the sorrow,' said Poffenroth.
'One thing about this whole fire thing is my faith in humanity has been restored to a great degree. People have been wonderful.'
The Daily Mail has reached out to Poffenroth for further comment.
