1919 PIERCE-ARROW MODEL 48 FOUR PASSENGER TOURER Engine No. 513088 Red with black fenders and black leather interior Engine: six cylinders in-line, T-head, dual side valves, 524ci. (5900cc.), 48bhp; Gearbox: manual four speed, shaft drive; Suspension: beam axle to front, live axle to rear, half-elliptic leaf springs all round; Brakes: mechanical by rear wheel drum. Right hand drive. The Pierce-Arrow was the finest among the 'three P's' - the others being Packard and Peerless - that dominated the American luxury car market in the 20 years from around 1910. There may have been more costly automobiles, others may have made a greater reputation on the racetracks, but the mighty Pierce-Arrow yielded to no other car in terms of mechanical silence, sheer refinement and perfect road manners. It was constructed from the very best alloys available for any car in the world. The cars were not without their competition successes, for Pierce concentrated on reliability runs as the most suitable arena for a fine touring car. The demanding Glidden Tour, which traced 1,000 miles from New York out through New England and back, was won for the first time by a Pierce-Arrow in 1905, and the marque went on to record more victories in this demanding event than all other makes combined. Refined, reserved, often the car of first choice for America's great families, the Pierce-Arrow was chosen by every president of the United States from Taft to F. D. Roosevelt. In many respects the Model 48 marked a pinnacle of the company's achievement; its impeccable workmanship applied to bring to near perfection a conservative design. The big, slow-turning engine, smooth and quiet, was so flexible it made few demands on the gear-shifting skills of the driver. Controls were finger-light, and particularly easy to use. The delightful Model 48 went on to become the company's biggest seller. There were minor eccentricities. The company clung to right-hand drive long after the rest of America switched the steering wheel to the left-hand side. The built-in headlamps faired into the front fenders were not to everyone's taste; Pierce obligingly made conventional lamps an option. This handsome example from Mr. Brown's estate is one such Model 48 four-passenger tourer that carries the optional free-standing headlamps which were often found on New York State automobiles. The restoration of the Pierce commenced at one shop, but Mr. Brown was not impressed with the progress. As a result, the car was given to Mr. Fred Hoch, whose firm, Schaffer & Long, is one of the best restoration companies specializing in pre-war American marques. Under Mr. Hoch's care, the Pierce received a comprehensive cosmetic restoration; although the drivetrain was not taken apart, the engine work was completed by a specialist in Ohio, and we are told the car runs well. Not surprisingly, following restoration, the Pierce won numerous prizes including a Senior National First prize from the AACA in 1991 and a Grand National Prize in 1992. The paintwork is superb, with a high-quality finish, and unmarked. All the detailing is correctly done. The interior has been retrimmed with black leather upholstery throughout, and the instruments are all correct and refurbished. The complex upholstery work was done by the highly regarded specialist Leif Drexler and is finished to exemplary standards. The engine is still in show condition. At the time of cataloguing we had not driven the car, so please contact the Motor Car Department for a detailed condition report during the sale week. The car is eminently suitable for either show purposes or enjoying on events; it is a lovely example of the Model 48 Pierce-Arrow.
1919 PIERCE-ARROW MODEL 48 FOUR PASSENGER TOURER Engine No. 513088 Red with black fenders and black leather interior Engine: six cylinders in-line, T-head, dual side valves, 524ci. (5900cc.), 48bhp; Gearbox: manual four speed, shaft drive; Suspension: beam axle to front, live axle to rear, half-elliptic leaf springs all round; Brakes: mechanical by rear wheel drum. Right hand drive. The Pierce-Arrow was the finest among the 'three P's' - the others being Packard and Peerless - that dominated the American luxury car market in the 20 years from around 1910. There may have been more costly automobiles, others may have made a greater reputation on the racetracks, but the mighty Pierce-Arrow yielded to no other car in terms of mechanical silence, sheer refinement and perfect road manners. It was constructed from the very best alloys available for any car in the world. The cars were not without their competition successes, for Pierce concentrated on reliability runs as the most suitable arena for a fine touring car. The demanding Glidden Tour, which traced 1,000 miles from New York out through New England and back, was won for the first time by a Pierce-Arrow in 1905, and the marque went on to record more victories in this demanding event than all other makes combined. Refined, reserved, often the car of first choice for America's great families, the Pierce-Arrow was chosen by every president of the United States from Taft to F. D. Roosevelt. In many respects the Model 48 marked a pinnacle of the company's achievement; its impeccable workmanship applied to bring to near perfection a conservative design. The big, slow-turning engine, smooth and quiet, was so flexible it made few demands on the gear-shifting skills of the driver. Controls were finger-light, and particularly easy to use. The delightful Model 48 went on to become the company's biggest seller. There were minor eccentricities. The company clung to right-hand drive long after the rest of America switched the steering wheel to the left-hand side. The built-in headlamps faired into the front fenders were not to everyone's taste; Pierce obligingly made conventional lamps an option. This handsome example from Mr. Brown's estate is one such Model 48 four-passenger tourer that carries the optional free-standing headlamps which were often found on New York State automobiles. The restoration of the Pierce commenced at one shop, but Mr. Brown was not impressed with the progress. As a result, the car was given to Mr. Fred Hoch, whose firm, Schaffer & Long, is one of the best restoration companies specializing in pre-war American marques. Under Mr. Hoch's care, the Pierce received a comprehensive cosmetic restoration; although the drivetrain was not taken apart, the engine work was completed by a specialist in Ohio, and we are told the car runs well. Not surprisingly, following restoration, the Pierce won numerous prizes including a Senior National First prize from the AACA in 1991 and a Grand National Prize in 1992. The paintwork is superb, with a high-quality finish, and unmarked. All the detailing is correctly done. The interior has been retrimmed with black leather upholstery throughout, and the instruments are all correct and refurbished. The complex upholstery work was done by the highly regarded specialist Leif Drexler and is finished to exemplary standards. The engine is still in show condition. At the time of cataloguing we had not driven the car, so please contact the Motor Car Department for a detailed condition report during the sale week. The car is eminently suitable for either show purposes or enjoying on events; it is a lovely example of the Model 48 Pierce-Arrow.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
