Although Cadillac has for many years carried the prestige banner in the USA, it was not always so. Aside from the American Rolls-Royce, the ‘three P’s’ - Packard, Peerless and Pierce-Arrow - were always considered to represent the very best quality that the American industry could offer. Pierce-Arrow had started out in 1865 as Heinz, Pierce and Munschauer, and was best known for its household items. In 1872, George N. Pierce bought a controlling interest, reorganizing the firm as the George N Pierce Company. Following the latter’s failure, a license to build the French de Dion engine was obtained and the first proper motor car was completed in November 1900. Early in 1901 the English-born designer David Fergusson was recruited as Chief Engineer - a post he would occupy for the succeeding two decades - and it was he that was responsible for Pierce’s first production model – the single-cylinder Motorette. Two-cylinder Arrow and four-cylinder Great Arrow models followed in 1904. At around this time it was decided to concentrate on making larger, more luxurious automobiles for the market’s upper echelons, and Pierce’s new policy got off to a flying start in 1905 when Percy Pierce (George’s son) won the first of the famous Glidden Tours driving a Great Arrow. Pierce cars claimed victory in the next four events, an unprecedented achievement. In 1907 the first six-cylinder model was introduced and in 1909 the marque and company names changed to Pierce-Arrow. That same year US President William Howard Taft ordered two Pierce-Arrows to be used for state occasions, thus honoring the company with the distinction of supplying the White House’s first official automobiles. Pierce-Arrow’s most famous feature, the headlights cowled into the front fenders, was designed in-house in 1913 and patented by Herbert M Dawley—this advanced feature would characterize all models until the end of production in 1938. The firm pioneered the extensive use of aluminum, power-assisted braking and the introduction of hydraulic tappets, yet despite this willingness to embrace new technology, remained wedded to traditional styling and an exclusively six-cylinder range. The series 33 introduced in 1921 marks Pierce Arrows first model with left hand drive. Their line had consolidated as the need for the massive displacement Series 51 (48) was no longer necessary for sufficient power. Pierce-Arrows advanced engine design with its four-valves per cylinders, dual plug ignition, monobloc six producing plenty of power for even the most elaborate and heavy bodies. The 33s are noted for their great flexibility, power and excellent road manners. Pierce Arrows are always noted for their excellent steering ease and crisp transmissions and this model is no different. This Model 33 chassis is adorned with particularly handsome and rare close coupled sedan coachwork. The body has a wonderful windscreen and a unique bustle back trunk subtly sculpted into the body. Pierce quality is evident everywhere you look on this fine machine. Gaze out on the dash board and you realize this is not your average car from the ‘20s This car has been lavished with a restoration of the highest order. It has been brought to the highest standards of finish and authenticity. The car is reported to run strong and smooth and has been restored to drive as well as show. It is not substantiated at this point, but it has long been said that this car was supplied new to Milton S. Hershey, founder of the eponymous chocolate manufacturing company of Pennsylvania and it is said that later on it was given to President Herbert Hoover and used at his daughter’s wedding. One would be hard pressed to find another Pierce Arrow 33 restored to such a fine state. With their great performance and wonderful manners these Pierce Arrows are highly recommended examples of one of America’s highest quality cars.
Although Cadillac has for many years carried the prestige banner in the USA, it was not always so. Aside from the American Rolls-Royce, the ‘three P’s’ - Packard, Peerless and Pierce-Arrow - were always considered to represent the very best quality that the American industry could offer. Pierce-Arrow had started out in 1865 as Heinz, Pierce and Munschauer, and was best known for its household items. In 1872, George N. Pierce bought a controlling interest, reorganizing the firm as the George N Pierce Company. Following the latter’s failure, a license to build the French de Dion engine was obtained and the first proper motor car was completed in November 1900. Early in 1901 the English-born designer David Fergusson was recruited as Chief Engineer - a post he would occupy for the succeeding two decades - and it was he that was responsible for Pierce’s first production model – the single-cylinder Motorette. Two-cylinder Arrow and four-cylinder Great Arrow models followed in 1904. At around this time it was decided to concentrate on making larger, more luxurious automobiles for the market’s upper echelons, and Pierce’s new policy got off to a flying start in 1905 when Percy Pierce (George’s son) won the first of the famous Glidden Tours driving a Great Arrow. Pierce cars claimed victory in the next four events, an unprecedented achievement. In 1907 the first six-cylinder model was introduced and in 1909 the marque and company names changed to Pierce-Arrow. That same year US President William Howard Taft ordered two Pierce-Arrows to be used for state occasions, thus honoring the company with the distinction of supplying the White House’s first official automobiles. Pierce-Arrow’s most famous feature, the headlights cowled into the front fenders, was designed in-house in 1913 and patented by Herbert M Dawley—this advanced feature would characterize all models until the end of production in 1938. The firm pioneered the extensive use of aluminum, power-assisted braking and the introduction of hydraulic tappets, yet despite this willingness to embrace new technology, remained wedded to traditional styling and an exclusively six-cylinder range. The series 33 introduced in 1921 marks Pierce Arrows first model with left hand drive. Their line had consolidated as the need for the massive displacement Series 51 (48) was no longer necessary for sufficient power. Pierce-Arrows advanced engine design with its four-valves per cylinders, dual plug ignition, monobloc six producing plenty of power for even the most elaborate and heavy bodies. The 33s are noted for their great flexibility, power and excellent road manners. Pierce Arrows are always noted for their excellent steering ease and crisp transmissions and this model is no different. This Model 33 chassis is adorned with particularly handsome and rare close coupled sedan coachwork. The body has a wonderful windscreen and a unique bustle back trunk subtly sculpted into the body. Pierce quality is evident everywhere you look on this fine machine. Gaze out on the dash board and you realize this is not your average car from the ‘20s This car has been lavished with a restoration of the highest order. It has been brought to the highest standards of finish and authenticity. The car is reported to run strong and smooth and has been restored to drive as well as show. It is not substantiated at this point, but it has long been said that this car was supplied new to Milton S. Hershey, founder of the eponymous chocolate manufacturing company of Pennsylvania and it is said that later on it was given to President Herbert Hoover and used at his daughter’s wedding. One would be hard pressed to find another Pierce Arrow 33 restored to such a fine state. With their great performance and wonderful manners these Pierce Arrows are highly recommended examples of one of America’s highest quality cars.
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