| Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona Friday, January 19, 2007 |
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| 1933 Pierce-Arrow Twelve Convertible Coupe | ||||||||
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Model 1236. 160hp, 429 cu. in., V12 cylinder engine, three-speed manual transmission, Stuart-Warner power, semi-elliptic leaf springs, four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 136" By 1933, Studebaker was in receivership and Erskine had committed suicide. Losses of $1,027,000 for the first seven months of 1933 forced the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company to file for re-organization. A group of bankers purchased Pierce-Arrow and retained former Studebaker man Arthur J. Chanter as president. Total sales in 1933 were 2,152, 500 less than 1932 and nearly 1,000 less than the 3,000 unit break-even point. Yet 1933 was not all doom and gloom for Pierce-Arrow. Ab Jenkins drove a modified 1236 Coupe Roadster V12 model like this one for twenty-five and a half hours, averaging 117mph throughout the 3,000 mile run. The trial broke an unbelievable sixty-six official AAA records. It was also the first year of Pierce’s Silver Arrow models. In 1929, Pierce-Arrow began producing cars with greater styling flare that challenged the best. The 1933 standard models continued that tradition, while also becoming more streamlined. 1933 would also become known as the last year of the “classic” look at Pierce-Arrow. The characteristic Pierce-Arrow headlamps featured a curve inspired by the flowing lines of the front fenders. The new convex headlamp shape harkened back to the original shape first seen in 1913. The radiator was more dramatically sloped and vee-shaped. Horsepower was increased in 1933, up from 140 thanks to a larger fuel manifold and the fitting of a new dual downdraft carburetor and a higher 6:1 compression ratio. The introduction of successful hydraulic tappets was an industry first. A failure in the past, Carl Voorhies of Pierce-Arrow developed and patented the self-adjusting hydraulic tappets in 1932. The Stuart-Warner power, four-wheel mechanical brakes were another innovation. This was a system similar to that used by Rolls-Royce and other European automobiles, but it was a first on an American car. Other 1933 standard features included tinted safety glass, cross-beam headlights, automatic choke, synchromesh transmission, freewheeling, an adjustable steering column and 17-inch wheels. This very desirable two-tone green, two-seater Salon Model Roadster bears only the slightest patina inside and out since its full restoration in 1988 by Eric Rosenau, the CCCA Pierce-Arrow technician at that time. Still a stunning open model, it draws crowds wherever it travels and is equipped with a rumble seat for accommodating two extra passengers. Also featuring twin chrome horns, dual sidemounts, a rear luggage rack and wide whitewall tires, the past owner has meticulously maintained this Convertible Coupe since 1969. The tan cloth top and leather interior remains in very good condition. The full instrumentation and dash appear like new. Mechanically, this V12 has been recently refurbished. Only 4,012 miles have been driven since the V12 engine was completely overhauled. The differential was changed to a more reliable 1934 Pierce-Arrow hypoid unit and with Phil Hill supplied high-speed gears, the ratio is 3.54:1, allowing for the easy maintenance of highway speeds. Exhibited at numerous shows but judged only twice, this 1933 1236 Convertible Coupe Roadster achieved 289 points out of a possible 300 at the 1989 Silverado Concours d’Elegance. At the 1991 Pierce-Arrow annual event in Monterey, it was awarded second place in its class. Currently, a radio is not fitted despite the presence of a Pierce-Arrow tuning knob, and the red fluid speedometer requires servicing. Otherwise, this Roadster is ready to drive and enjoy. In 1933, Pierce-Arrow stated in its brochure (later borrowed by Rolls-Royce), “So quiet are the 1933 Pierce-Arrows that driving along the highway, the most noticeable noise is the ticking of the clock.” The quality of a Pierce-Arrow is beyond reproach, as is the driving pleasure. |
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Addendum Please note that this vehicle is titled by the body number. |
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