Vehicle Description
The Peerless Company of Cleveland, Ohio was, for a brief period,
one of America's most exclusive automobile companies. Along with
Packard and Pierce-Arrow, the trio of car makers known as "The
Three Ps," was equally revered for their quality, refinement, and
engineering excellence. The route Peerless took to automobile
manufacturing was remarkably similar to that of its rival
Pierce-Arrow. Before making cars, Peerless manufactured a variety
of household goods including clothes wringers and clothespins
before moving to bicycles before the turn of the century. In 1900,
Peerless set about building horseless carriages, with the first
examples being De Dion-powered single-cylinder Motorettes. The firm
then hired Louis P. Mooers to create the first all-Peerless design.
Following several prototypes and light cars, production began in
earnest in 1904 with a line of four-cylinder models. These cars
were quite advanced in terms of layout and style, with front
mounted engines and "conventional" hood and radiator treatment what
would become the industry standard within a few years. The advanced
design and engineering excellence meant the Peerless was also very
expensive, with the 35 horsepower Model 7 coming in at $6,000 in
1904. Peerless rapidly expanded its portfolio with increasingly
larger and more powerful machines. Known for sophisticated
coachwork, quality construction, and robust engines, the company
lived into its slogan "All That the Name Implies." Mooers was a
firm believer that motor racing improved the breed, and with the
help of celebrity racer Barney Oldfield, the gargantuan
six-cylinder 1904 Peerless Green Dragon racked up the speed
records. After Mooers departed in 1906, the firm brought in former
Packard man Charles Schmidt to take over engineering duties. He
phased out racing and focused all efforts on becoming the most
celebrated luxury car maker in America. Championing the
six-cylinder engine, Peerless was among the earliest manufacturers
to successfully adopt the layout for production. Their first
road-going six-cylinder car came to market in 1907, and with its
impressive power and inherent smoothness, it was the ideal engine
for prestigious luxury limousines and tourers. By 1909, the
six-cylinder had grown to 824.8 cubic inches for the Model 25,
making it one of the largest series-production engines of all time,
matched only by the Pierce-Arrow Model 66. At a starting price of
$7,000, the mighty Model 25 was one of the most expensive cars in
America. Peerless built only 1,618 cars in total during the 1909
model year, making the Model 25 - then as now - one of the most
exclusive American automobiles of the early twentieth century. The
incredible Peerless Model 25 presented here is a stunning Brass Era
sporting motorcar, with power and presence in excess. This car
wears evocative four-passenger open coachwork of newer
construction, crafted in the spirit of the factory raceabouts of
the period. It presents in a bold and striking bright green livery
with subtle deep red coach stripes and brightly polished brass
accessories. The 136-inch wheelbase chassis provides room for the
massive inline six-cylinder engine, and the low slung coachwork and
twin-rear mounted spares accentuates its length. Recently out of a
noted collection of brass and nickel-era motorcars, the mighty
Peerless presents in beautiful condition throughout. From the
36-inch wooden artillery wheels to the gorgeous, cowl-mounted Gray
& Davis search lamp, this Peerless is impressively detailed. Other
features include big Rushmore brass headlamps, E & J side lamps,
and highly polished brass gear lever, brake lever, and steering
column. Brown linoleum lines the running boards and floors, tying
neatly in with the paint color and newer brown button-tufted
leather upholstery, which is supple and in excellent condition. The
exhaustive detail continues beneath the long hood, where the
enormous 825 cubic-inch T-head inline six rests. In traditional
fashion, the three pairs of cast-iron cylinders sit atop an alloy
crankcase. The cam sits in the bottom end, driving exposed pushrods
and valve springs. Like the rest of this car, the massive engine is
in concours condition, authentically presented with black porcelain
cylinders, natural finish crankcase, and numerous brass and copper
fittings. It is now equipped with a high-torque starter in the
interest of safety and ease of operation on tours and road events.
In the hands of the most recent owners, this Peerless has been
shown on several occasions, including at the prestigious
Meadowbrook Concours d'Elegance in 2010 and again at the 2013
Concours d'Elegance of America at St. Johns. With its recently
freshened cosmetics, it will no doubt continue to impress on the
concours lawn, while the massive and powerful engine provides a
thrilling experience on brass era tours and road events. Few cars
of the era could top the mighty Peerless, an exquisite motorcar
that truly is "All the Name Implies." Offers welcomed and trades
considered. For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6481-1909-peerless-model-25-raceabout/