1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 42 Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton

366ci L-Head Inline 8-Cylinder Engine
Single Updraft Stromberg Carburetor
125bhp at 3,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front and Rear Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Bendix Mechanical Drum Brakes

*Prominent open Pierce-Arrow
*One of only 14 built in 1931
*Powered by the large Pierce 8-cylinder engine
*High quality older restoration
*The quintessential American Classic

THE PIERCE-ARROW MODEL 42

Founded in 1901, some idea of the rapidity of Pierce-Arrow's rise to prominence may be gauged from the fact that as early as 1909, the White House ordered two for state occasions. From then onwards, the name Pierce-Arrow would be synonymous with the ultimate in motoring luxury, ranking alongside Cadillac, Packard and Rolls-Royce. Royalty, Heads of State and countless celebrities were numbered among its clients, including Emperor Hirohito of Japan; the Shah of Persia; King ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia; King Albert of Belgium; American Presidents Woodrow Wilson, William Howard Taft and Franklin Delano Roosevelt; John D Rockefeller; Orville Wright; Babe Ruth and Ginger Rogers. Woodrow Wilson would famously be chauffeured around Washington, DC in the Presidential Pierce, sitting in the back seat contemplating issues of state, with no one to barge into the Oval Office and interrupt him.

Clinging to traditional styling and handicapped by a range of sixes in an increasingly multi-cylinder marketplace, Pierce-Arrow saw its sales decline throughout the 1920s. In 1928, an alliance was forged with Studebaker, which viewed Pierce-Arrow's acquisition as a means of gaining entry into the luxury car market. A new range of straight-eights was introduced, and Pierce-Arrow sales doubled in 1929.

Although the 1931 Pierce-Arrows appeared little changed from the previous year's models, the chassis frames were new and were built in three ranges, offering a choice of three engine displacements and four wheelbase lengths. The Model 42 was the large Pierce-Arrow model and was powered by the mighty, nine-bearing 5,997 cc straight-eight engine that marked the company's departure from its six-cylinder traditions.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Only 14 dual cowl phaetons were built by Pierce in 1931, the last year for the model. Chassis 2525799 is an exemplary dual cowl Pierce that represents a sum-total of the virtues of the marque. As one of the famous three Ps – the others being Packard and Peerless, Pierce Arrow was renowned for understated good taste, unquestioned luxury without ostentation, and a bank-vault like build quality. These qualities made Pierce cars outlast all but their most expensive competitors. And then of course there were the signature fender-mounted headlights, whereby an on-coming Pierce could always be identified from a distance.

Chassis 2525799 displays all these qualities to a fault. The distinguished two tone blue dual cowl coachwork exudes prestige with no frippery. The disciplined gray leather interior with crisp tan top, covered travel trunk, and the superior construction of the windshields and side screens send the message that like a Hispano-Suiza, here was a car more suited for long distance travel and serious use than philandering with the jazz crowd.

A long-time display piece at the Saratoga Auto Museum collection, the vehicle was additionally owned within the collection of Wayne Freihofer of the eponymous baking company. The recipient of a high-quality restoration some time ago, the Pierce is only showing its age in a few places and overall presents quite handsomely. The attractive color scheme suits the fine styling of the coachwork. Under the hood, the engine bay is nicely detailed and the chromium plating is in fine order.

The car has been used regularly and recently participated in a Pierce Arrow tour and was the recipient of multiple awards in the group's judged show. The Pierce has received regular maintenance and has just been freshly serviced by a marque specialist prior to this auction.

This Pierce-Arrow is a wonderful example of high caliber American Classic in its definitive and exceedingly rare coachwork. It will make a great addition to any fine collection.