To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVEEstimate:
$65,000 - $85,000
- A handsome early eight-cylinder Pierce in the sportiest body
style
- Older restoration in elegant colors
- Ideal for freshening and touring
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
Two very significant events in Pierce-Arrow's history occurred in
1928. The venerable company was not healthy despite the relative
popularity of the lower-priced Series 80. New models were needed,
and salvation came in the form of an alliance with Studebaker,
which had a hefty cash surplus and a desire to offer a true luxury
model. A new engine was developed for 1929, and it was much lighter
than the big T-head six it replaced. At 125 horsepower, it provided
25 percent more power from fewer cubic inches, as well as smooth
and vibration-proof operation. The year 1929 was the best ever for
Pierce with nearly 10,000 cars sold.
Indicative of that wonderful optimism, the Mitosinka Collection's
example is the Model 125 roadster, among the most rakish and
desirable body styles offered on this exceptionally well-engineered
and ruggedly constructed chassis. A 1960 safety inspection sticker
is present on the windshield which reads "Hamilton Safety League,"
a possible indication that the car may have resided in Hamilton,
Ontario Canada. Later owners recorded by the Pierce-Arrow Society
included Dorris Kindberg; the well-known Sonoma, California,
enthusiast Norm Buckhart; and noted Pierce-Arrow collector Pat
Craig.
The car presents as an older, largely cosmetic restoration, showing
age to its scarlet and black lacquer paint, which bears numerous
signs of wear and use throughout. Much of the chrome shows patina
and may be original; the engine compartment shows use but has been
detailed to some degree and is quite tidy. The canvas top is also
several decades old but still serviceable, while the leather
interior is still in overall very good condition. The doors and
rumble seat lid would benefit from adjustment, and the spark
advance and throttle controls are missing, as are the original grab
handles on the dashboard. The odometer shows 1,978 miles at the
time of cataloguing, likely reflecting the mileage since the
cosmetic restoration. Accompanying are an original brochure and
owner's manual, as well as a reproduced factory photograph, a top
boot, and side curtains.
This is a delightfully patinated example of the eight-cylinder
Pierce-Arrow, ideal for freshening and touring.
Please note that the spark advance and throttle controls have since
been found and are now included with the car.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mt20.