Vehicle Description
From George Pierce's first single-cylinder Motorette in 1901 to the
final twelve-cylinder chassis built for engineer Karl Wise in 1938,
Pierce-Arrow stood proudly for quality, craftsmanship, and luxury.
Along with Packard and Peerless, the Buffalo, New York firm
produced some of America's finest luxury motorcars, earning a loyal
clientele along the way. Despite the impeccable reputation,
Pierce-Arrow, like many of its high-end contemporaries, struggled
with a limited dealer network and financial instability. A takeover
by bankers after World War I saw Pierce-Arrow slow to respond to
buyer's wishes, and their products soon became stale and dated.
Help arrived in 1928 when Pierce-Arrow's president met with Albert
Erskine of Studebaker to negotiate a merger. The partnership
allowed Pierce-Arrow to operate independently, and it gave them the
cash necessary to finally introduce their long-overdue L-Head
inline eight-cylinder engine, which - temporarily at least -
boosted sales in conjunction with their improved dealer network. In
1931, chief engineer Karl Wise proudly unveiled his entries into
the hotly-contested multi-cylinder race - a pair of V12 engines of
398 and 429 cubic inches. Unfortunately, the partnership between
Studebaker and Pierce-Arrow was short-lived, as Studebaker fell
into receivership in 1933, and cut Pierce free, now forced to
survive as an independent amid the Great Depression. Desperate to
survive and to shake their conservative image, Pierce-Arrow
management hired Phil Wright away from GM to act as a consultant
and design a new flagship that would showcase Pierce's capabilities
to the world. The resulting twelve-cylinder Silver Arrow was a
streamlined, futuristic sensation. It made its grand debut at the
1933 New York Auto Show with the slogan,"Suddenly it's 1940!"The
breathtaking machine featured fully enveloped front fenders, no
running boards, and a distinct fastback roof treatment and
triangular rear window opening. The design was a marvel; however,
the shocking $10,000 price tag kept even the wealthiest customers
away during the austere period of the early 1930s. Only five were
built, although elements of its advanced design influenced
Pierce-Arrow's regular production cars later in the decade. In
1934, the Silver Arrow name reappeared on a grand and imposing
flagship 4-seater coupe. The styling drew heavily from Phil
Wright's original, particularly in the shape of the tapered rear
end and the distinctive gun-slit rear windows. Despite the stunning
design, the production Silver Arrow did little to slow
Pierce-Arrow's precipitous slide toward bankruptcy, as sales
lagged, and the company folded for good in 1938. This stunning 1934
Pierce-Arrow 1245 Silver Arrow is one of just 1,740 cars produced
in total by the company that year. As Pierce emerged from its
partnership with Studebaker, it introduced three new models to the
buying public: The eight-cylinder 840A, and the twelve-cylinder
1240A and 1248A. Of those, the Silver-Arrow coupe sitting atop the
big 144-inch wheelbase 1240A chassis was the most dramatically
styled. Buyers could equip their Silver Arrow coupe with either the
eight or twelve-cylinder engine. Ultimately, not enough buyers
stepped forward to make much difference in Pierce-Arrow's bottom
line, and the company filed for bankruptcy in August 1934.
Unfortunately, few of the production records survived when
receivers dispersed Pierce's assets a few years later. But marque
experts estimate that approximately 43 Silver Arrows left the works
in 1934, along with an additional four cars in 1935. Historians
believe that about 16 of these incredible automobiles are known to
exist today. The 1240A Silver Arrow is certainly no shrinking
violet; it is an imposing motorcar with bold styling and tremendous
presence. This example's gorgeous two-tone black and gray color
scheme lends it a slightly sinister appearance, highlighting its
sweeping curves and crisp lines. The restoration is superb,
exhibiting exquisitely finished paint and bodywork.
Concours-quality chrome plating on the lamps, grille, bumpers, and
trim is all beautifully bright and clear. Accessories include dual
covered side mount spares, dual senior Trippe lights, running
lights, chrome trumpet horns, full wheel covers, and of course, the
iconic Archer mascot. Inside the spacious cabin, lovely gray
patterned fabric upholstery graces the seats and interior panels.
Superb two-tone wood trim features on the doors and dash top,
complemented by the woodgrain-painted metal dash that mirrors the
pattern of the door trim. Instruments, gauges, and controls are
restored to a very high standard and presented in superb condition.
Lovely details abound, including the armchair-style rear seats,
intricately hinged sun visors, and original factory-option radio.
Pierce-Arrow's 462 cubic-inch V12 is an oft-underappreciated gem of
the Classic Era. Pumping out an impressive 175 horsepower, it was
one of a scant few engines that could match Cadillac's V16 for
outright power. And since it was a more "conventional" L-head
design versus the Cadillac's advanced overhead-valve design, the
Pierce was seen as more durable and easily serviced. Lifting the
hood on this car reveals the gorgeous twelve-cylinder engine
finished in black porcelain, alloy, and chrome to all to concours
standards. The undercarriage is similarly well-detailed, with
polished stainless steel exhaust and high-quality paintwork on the
frame and suspension components. Showing evidence of gentle use
since its restoration, this superb Pierce-Arrow 1240A would be
equally at home at concours events or wafting along on any number
of CCCA CARavan tours. It is a CCCA Senior Award winner and has
appeared at the Elegance at Hershey and in a special display at the
Gilmore Museum in Michigan. Rarity, stunning design, and
engineering excellence come together in this uniquely impressive
and beautiful Pierce-Arrow. If you're an owner of classic cars and
you have vintage cars for sale, contact us today and learn more
about our classic car consignment program. Our experienced classic
car dealers are here to help. Offers welcome and trades considered
For additional details please view this listing directly on our
website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6616-1934-pierce-arrow-silver-arrow-twelve-coupe/
