To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Amelia Island event, 8 - 9
March 2019.
Estimate:
$325,000 - $425,000
- Exceptional twelve-cylinder power
- One of three known survivors
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
Pierce-Arrow, along with Packard and Peerless, was a member of the
"Three Ps," the alliterative triumvirate of the luxury car segment
that had always featured large engines. From 1910 to 1928, though,
they had been T-head sixes. For 1929, a straight-eight replaced the
sixes. It proved popular, doubling sales from the year before. But
as Cadillac, Packard, and Lincoln introduced twelve-cylinder
engines, and Cadillac and Marmon readied their sixteens, Pierce,
too, joined the cylinder race.
Chief engineer Karl Wise designed the new V-12 engine, adopting an
unusual 80-degree angle between the cylinder banks. The wide vee
gave excellent access to the valvetrain and also helped minimize
vibration. Introduced late in 1931 for the '32 model year, the
Twelve was offered alongside the Eights, with common bodies but
differing wheelbases. Initially the Twelve was offered in two
versions, a 398-cu. in., 140-bhp unit and another bored out to 429
cu. in. and producing 150 bhp. For 1933, the smaller
twelve-cylinder was discontinued and the 429 was complemented with
an even larger bore 462, good for 175 bhp, as featured in the car
being offered.
Alas, sales continued to fall from their apex in 1929, and even the
new Twelve could not keep them above 3,000. A 1928 merger with
Studebaker was benefiting neither company, and it would soon be
unraveled. The Great Depression finally put an end to Pierce-Arrow
in 1938.
Just 1,843 Pierce-Arrows of all types were built for 1933, 118 of
them in the 1242 series.
This Model 1242 Twelve Convertible Coupe, one of three to survive,
was restored in California in the early 1990s by Jack Dietz for
then-owner William Lassiter. In 1995 it earned an AACA National
First award, medallion no. 19B0630. Canadian collector Terry
Johnson acquired the car from Mr. Lassiter in 1999.
The Dietz-Lassiter restoration has been carefully conserved and
recently detailed. Attractively painted in a subtle grey best
described as Deep Pewter, it is accented with blue belt moldings
that match the underbody and wheels. Dual side-mount spares sit in
the front fenders, which also carry Pierce-Arrow's hallmark
headlights. The interior and rumble seat are upholstered in red
leather, with matching carpets. The car remains tidy and runs and
drives well.
Recognized by the CCCA as a Full Classic, this twelve-cylinder
Pierce-Arrow is eligible for all CCCA events, awards, and CARavan
tours. It presents a very rare opportunity to acquire this most
desirable body style of America's most coveted prestige make.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am19.