Vehicle Description
Once the pride of Buffalo, New York Pierce-Arrow stood for many
years among the finest automobile manufacturers in America. The
"Three Ps" of Packard, Peerless, and Pierce-Arrow enjoyed fiercely
loyal clientele who demanded nothing but the best in their
motorcars. Despite their impeccable reputation, building
automobiles to such high standards was a costly undertaking, and
the market was narrow. Competition from the likes of Cadillac did
not help, as GM had substantial cash reserves that the independents
simply could not match. As America approached the cusp of the Great
Depression, Peerless did not survive past 1931, Packard decided to
add a junior line to supplement sales, and Pierce-Arrow struggled
with outdated engines and a lack of resources to modernize their
range. In 1928, Pierce-Arrow was rescued - at least temporarily -
by an unlikely source, Albert Erskine of the Studebaker
Corporation. Studebaker had a reputation for sturdy, practical cars
that weren't necessarily high on style. They had recently added the
low-cost Erskine line to supplement the bottom line so that
Pierce-Arrow would fit nicely as a prestigious bookend to their
portfolio. The move made Studebaker the fourth-largest car company
in America, and with it, Pierce-Arrow received a $2M influx of
cash. With the fresh investment, Pierce-Arrow could finally produce
the beautiful L-head 8-cylinder engine that had been in the works
for several years, bringing them back up to par with Packard and
Cadillac. Some production was moved from Buffalo, although
Studebaker allowed Pierce-Arrow engineers to remain in control of
their process. For the new engine, Studebaker cast the blocks in
their South Bend foundry, albeit in a higher grade alloy than
Studebaker utilized. While Studebaker offered its own
eight-cylinder engine for the President, the Pierce design was
unique as it had nine main bearings to Stude's five, and it
produced a competitive 125 horsepower, with high levels of
refinement. Two new models ushered in the arrival of the new engine
in 1929; the Model 133 and Model 143, named for their wheelbase
length in inches. The 366 cubic-inch eight-cylinder was shared
between both cars, which featured a heavily revised chassis and
all-new, more modern styling to align the rest of the car with the
new power plant. Of course, Pierce's trademark headlamps were still
proudly positioned in the fenders, with the rest of the styling
getting a fresh and contemporary makeover. Buyers of the 143 had
seven bodies to choose from, while the 133 offered eleven different
body styles. Pierce-Arrow's traditional buyers tended toward the
conservative, so most of the cars produced in 1929 left the Buffalo
works wearing formal, understated coachwork. This 1929 Pierce-Arrow
Model 133 wears gorgeous Dual Cowl Phaeton coachwork, one of the
most exclusive and desirable of all styles available on the Model
133. While Pierce-Arrow sales had doubled in 1929 with a total of
8,422 Model 133s sold, just 70 buyers would opt for this elegant
body, which Pierce cataloged as the "Four Passenger Touring with
Tonneau Shield." This car comes to us via an extensive collection
of Classic Era automobiles, and it benefits from a high-quality
restoration which was completed in approximately 2007. Since the
restoration, the car has been driven and enjoyed on a regular
basis, participating in various clubs events and shows around the
country. It won a First Prize at the 2012 National Pierce-Arrow
Meet in Kalamazoo, Michigan and earned a class award at the 2017
Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance. It is presented with a nicely
mellowed restoration, in a handsome and distinct two-tone
yellow-green over olive green combination, accented subtly with
orange pinstripes. The paint quality is excellent, appearing
beautifully-maintained while also displaying some light use.
Bodywork and detailing are done to a high standard. It is equipped
with numerous options and accessories, including dual side-mount
spare wheels with polished covers, dual Trippe driving lights, a
radiator stone guard, and dual Lorraine searchlights. The famous
archer mascot sits atop the chromed radiator shell, and out back
there is a color-matched trunk complete with fitted suitcases.
Plating on the accessories and fittings is excellent, and the
optional wire wheels are finished with distinct painted rims and
polished spokes for a distinctly sporty appearance. Inside,
complementary gray-green leather features on the front and rear
seats. The hides are in excellent condition, looking mildly
broken-in and quite inviting. Carpets and door panels are
excellent. The cabin of the dual-cowl phaeton is sleek and modern,
with a noticeable lack of wood trim and fussy detailing. The dash
is body color, with restored original instruments arranged in the
center of the fascia. The folding top is made from high-quality tan
Stayfast canvas, piped in leather to match the seats. Pierce
Arrow's L-head inline eight is equally well-presented, detailed in
gloss black paint with lots of chrome hardware and fittings. Signs
of regular running appear on the manifolds, yet the presentation is
tidy and extremely clean. The engine runs well, delivering its 125
horsepower and sending drive through a three-speed manual gearbox.
This marvelous Model 133 benefits from regular care in the hands of
a passionate enthusiast and with its distinct style and powerful,
refined engine, is an ideal candidate for CCCA CARavan tours or
similar driving events. As one of only a handful of known survivors
to wear the glamorous "tonneau cowl" coachwork, it represents a
unique opportunity for entry into the world of American Classic
touring.