Beschreibung:

Based in Buffalo, New York State, Pierce built birdcages, ice boxes and bicycles before introducing its first petrol-driven automobile - the 3.5hp single-cylinder De Dion-powered Motorette - in 1901. (The Pierce-Arrow name was first applied to the company’s twin-cylinder model in 1904). Within a few years the firm had switched its attention exclusively to the production of luxury cars and in 1908 became the Pierce Arrow Motor Car Company. Pierce-Arrow pioneering many technological developments, including servo-assisted braking and hydraulic tappets, while building some of the most prestigious motor cars ever to grace America’s highways. Some idea of the rapidity of Pierce-Arrow’s rise to prominence may be gauged from the fact that as early as 1909 The White House ordered two for state occasions. From then onwards the name Pierce-Arrow would be synonymous with the ultimate in motoring luxury, ranking alongside Cadillac, Packard and Rolls-Royce. Royalty, Heads of State and countless celebrities were numbered among its clients, who including Emperor Hirohito of Japan; The Shah of Persia; King ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia; King Albert of Belgium; US Presidents Woodrow Wilson, William Howard Taft and Franklin Delano Roosevelt; John D Rockefeller; Orville Wright; Babe Ruth; and Ginger Rogers. Clinging to traditional styling and handicapped by a range of sixes in an increasingly multi-cylinder marketplace, Pierce-Arrow saw its sales decline throughout the 1920s. In 1928 an alliance was forged with Studebaker, which viewed Pierce-Arrow’s acquisition as a means of gaining entry to the luxury car market. A new range of straight-eights - already under development before Studebaker’s arrival - was introduced and Pierce-Arrow sales doubled in 1929. Although the 1930 Pierce-Arrows appeared little changed from the previous year’s models, the chassis frames were new and were built in three ranges, offering a choice of three engine displacements and four wheelbase lengths. The mid-range Model B came with the choice of 134” or 139” wheelbases and was powered by the mighty, nine-bearing 5,997cc straight-eight engine that marked the company’s departure from its six-cylinder traditions. Erected on the 134” wheelbase, chassis number ‘2025478’ is one of only a very few 1930 Model B Convertible Coupés known to the Pierce-Arrow Society. The car was in original condition when purchased by the previous owner in 1994 and has since been the subject of an eight-year restoration using original parts wherever possible. All the woodwork has been replaced, the brightwork re-plated, the bodywork repaired as necessary and a full repaint carried out in original livery. The convertible top was replaced and the interior fully re-trimmed to original pattern by a recognised specialist, while all dashboard instruments are complete and original. Other noteworthy features include 12-spoked two-tone wheels, wide whitewall tires and dual side-mounted spares. This lovely example of ‘America’s finest motor car’ is ready for touring and regional showing with the leading antique automobile clubs and, of course, is eligible to participate in Classic Car Club of America events including the popular ‘Classic Caravans’. It is eminently suitable for such tours thanks to its splendid riding qualities, quietness of operation, ease of driving, luxurious passenger comfort, unsurpassed style and great quality. No wonder the company used to boast so proudly: "The man who owns a Pierce-Arrow envies no-one."