1933 Pierce-Arrow 836 Club Brougham

Lot details
Registration No: 178 XUL
Chassis No: 1071208
Mot Expiry: May 2009

Founded in 1878 the George N Pierce Company started out making ice-boxes, bathtubs and gilded birdcages before diversifying into bicycles. Well regarded and profitable, it soon drew the attention of investors such as George K Birge and by the turn of the twentieth century had begun experimenting with motorcars. Introduced in 1901, the De Dion-powered Pierce `Motorette' was production-readied by Scottish engineer David Fergusson. A single-cylinder machine it soon gave way to a range of twin- and four-cylinder designs including the Arrow and Great Arrow. The latter was notable for (a) its cast aluminium bodywork and (b) achieving the first of Pierce's five consecutive victories on the prestigious Glidden Tour (1905-1909).

Going from strength to strength, the Buffalo, New York-based concern fielded its first six-cylinder model in 1907. Renamed Pierce-Arrow the following year due to George N's acrimonious departure, it nevertheless continued to increase sales and win awards. Hailed as one of the American automotive industry's three "P's of Prestige" alongside Packard and Peerless, Pierce-Arrow could count the Emperor of Japan, Shah of Persia, King of Belgium and several US presidents (William Taft, Woodrow Wilson and Franklin D Roosevelt) among its clients not to mention numerous sports personalities, film stars and businessmen. Headed by Herbert Dawley the marque's Art Department helped ensure that its products were always a la mode.

Submitted to the patent authorities on December 12th 1912, Dawley's novel idea for positioning headlamps atop the front wings not only gave vastly improved night-time vision but also provided Pierce-Arrow with an instantly recognisable styling trait. Forever marching to the beat of its own drum, the firm collaborated with the Aluminium Company of America to create an ultra-lightweight car during the mid 1920s. Secure in the knowledge that it produced some of the fastest and most powerful cars in the business, Pierce-Arrow ignored competitors' experimentation with eight-, twelve- and even sixteen-cylinder powerplants.

Further distanced from the opposition by almost wilfully understated advertising campaigns that often relegated new models to the background or partially obscured them, it had little choice but to merge with Studebaker in 1928. As well as much needed funds, the partnership brought new engineering expertise. New for 1929, the manufacturer's first eight-cylinder engine was a revelation. Credited to Pierce-Arrow's John Talcott and Studebaker's Karl Wise, it utilised a combined cylinder block / crankcase assembly, nine-bearing crankshaft and L-head arrangement for the valves. Displacing some 366 cu in (6 litres), the sidevalve unit was reputed to develop a healthy 125hp @ 3,200rpm; an output sufficient for an 85mph top speed.

Releasing two new V12 models into the maw of the Great Depression, Pierce-Arrow proved a severe drain on Studebaker's resources and was sold off to a Buffalo conglomerate for $1,000,000 in 1933. However, that season's eight-cylinder 836 range still boasted new-look valanced wings and hydraulic engine tappets (an industry first). Available in both standard and long wheelbase guises, the 135hp 836-series cars also accounted for most of the marque's 2,152 sales during 1933. A testimony to their design integrity, cultural importance and inherent quality, all 1925 - 1938 Pierce-Arrow cars are accorded Full Classic status by the Classic Car Club of America.

Finished in stunning two-tone green with light green cloth upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example was the subject of an older but extensive restoration. Riding on cream-painted wire wheels, it sports a luggage rack, heater, Archer mascot, opening windscreen, rear / rear-quarter window blinds, twin side-mounted spare wheels, folding armrests, dual horns and whitewall tyres. Nicely detailed under the bonnet, the rakish two-door four-seater further benefits from a well-stocked and wonderfully Art Deco dashboard. A rare car in America let alone on the European side of The Pond, this supremely stylish Pierce Arrow is offered for sale with UK V5C registration document and current MOT certificate.