| Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey Friday, October 10, 2008 |
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| 1917 Pierce-Arrow Model 48 Touring Car | ||||||||
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Series Four. 92bhp, 525 cu. in. inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, live axle suspension with semi-elliptical leaf springs, two-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 142" The vaunted reputation of Pierce-Arrow automobiles owes no small credit to the carefully considered, systematic process, which Pierce-Arrow, and its predecessor the George N. Pierce Company, followed in entering the automobile business. George Pierce had been making things in Buffalo, New York since the latter years of the Civil War. Starting with housewares – which were in good demand during the country’s westward expansion following the Civil War – he started the George N. Pierce Company in 1878, which soon diversified into iceboxes and birdcages. A few years later, Pierce’s company began building bicycles, then they discovered the next great commercial opportunity – the horseless carriage. The company thereupon undertook a careful process of investigation and development, starting with steam power, then gasoline, scientifically and logically evaluating the advantages of both sources of motive power. Pierce’s decision became clear in January 1901, when David Fergusson was hired to head the Company’s gasoline-powered automobile design efforts. The first Fergusson-designed, de Dion-powered Pierce Motorettes were produced later that same year. Notably, Pierce’s many bicycle dealers provided an instant distribution network, of which few other early automobile manufacturers could boast. Two-seat Motorettes and four-seat Stanhopes, with ever-larger single-cylinder engines, soon led to the first true four-seat Pierce in early 1903, complete with two-cylinder power and shaft drive, called the “Arrow”. A year later, a larger, more conventional looking, four-cylinder “Great Arrow”, succeeded it. Together, the Arrow and Great Arrow are best known for their five years of success in the Glidden Tours beginning in 1905, where they achieved perfect scores during four of those years. The company’s success, however, brought the need for more capital, much of it supplied by company director George K. Birge. The growing influence of Birge and other investors created friction with George and Percy Pierce, and in 1908, they left the automobile business to concentrate on bicycles and motorcycles. Meanwhile, the automobile business, acknowledging the strong reputation now associated with the Arrow name, was renamed the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company. More importantly, the first Pierce-Arrows included the Company’s first six-cylinder engines, which were offered in 36, 48 and 60 horsepower size. By 1910, only sixes were built, setting the precedent for all subsequent Pierce-Arrows until the introduction of an eight-cylinder engine in 1929. In 1913, Herbert Dawley, who had been in charge of Pierce-Arrow design since 1907, patented the signature Pierce-Arrow headlight design, which integrated the headlights with the front fenders. The Pierce-Arrow sixes had their cylinders cast in pairs, which were secured to aluminum crankcases. Every component was of the finest quality, and the Pierce-Arrow T-head engine was one of the most powerful in the entire industry. In fact, all engines were dynamometer tested for performance before being completely disassembled, re-inspected and then run yet again in separate dynamometer cells to check for smoothness of operation. The NACC-rated 48-horsepower engines (4.5-inch bore, six cylinders) actually produced 92 horsepower or more on the Pierce-Arrow dynamometers, more true horsepower than many of the marque’s rivals, which contributed to the high satisfaction levels of Pierce-Arrow’s elite clientele. These were people who were accustomed to being at the head of the field, and Pierce-Arrow did not disappoint them. Innovatively, Pierce-Arrow automobile bodies were made from 1/8-inch thick aluminum panels that were cast in Pierce-Arrow’s own foundry. Customers usually specified the colors, interior materials and accessories, and Herbert Dawley frequently visited the company’s clients to work with them and translate their specific requests into physical reality. In short, the Pierce-Arrow sixes were, in the 1910s and 1920s, the finest automobiles available in America. The stunning 1917 Model 48 Touring Car offered here is a wonderful example of the Pierce-Arrow mystique, completely restored to concours-level perfection by the late Mr. Ron Fawcett, a renowned marque expert. The car is truly resplendent in its maroon exterior finish, offset by black fenders and lower body panels, as well as an expertly fitted black top. In addition, handsome red pinstriping adorns the beltline, as well as the top and side surfaces of the hood. As expected, the car rides on a period correct set of wide whitewall tires that surround perfectly restored wooden “artillery” wheels that feature red pinstripe accents, as well as black painted rims and bright hubcaps. Other exterior accessories include a Moto-Meter, dual cowl-mounted lights, dual right side-mounted spare tires with a passenger sideview mirror, and a right side-mounted horn. To the rear is found the luggage trunk, secured with leather straps, protected by a leather cover. The equally flawless and impressive interior is trimmed with gorgeous button-tufted tan leather upholstery, as well as tan door and side panels with storage pockets, door-retaining straps, and correct hardware. The front passenger compartment features tan flooring, while the rear passenger compartment reveals tan carpeting, with both areas flawless throughout. Meanwhile, the rear passenger compartment includes a pair of incredibly detailed jump seats, and the headliner is equally well finished. The driver and front passenger are greeted by right-hand drive, as well as two locking glove boxes, Pierce’s innovative key-operated electric starting mechanism, and complete instrumentation to monitor the car’s vital functions. The instruments feature brass bezels, and the steering wheel, foot pedals, and associated controls are flawless in presentation. As one would expect of a restoration of this caliber, the engine bay is beautifully restored and detailed, revealing the legendary T-head six-cylinder engine. In addition, period correct metal finishes and associated components are visible throughout, and this level of detail extends to the chassis and suspension. A very rare, desirable and incredibly well restored automobile, this 1917 Pierce-Arrow Model 48 Touring Car is also a wonderful example of delightful open coachwork. While it can be admired on so many different levels, this automobile truly embodies a bygone era, one of Pierce-Arrow at the height of its greatness. Notably, Pierce-Arrows are widely regarded as one of the most mechanically superior and magnificent driving cars of the period, and their value transcends whether it is pre-1915, as only a limited amount exist. To own any Pierce is a luxury in itself. |
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Addendum Please note that this car was actually restored by Fawcett Motor Carriage. |
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