For Sale: 1931 Pierce-Arrow Antique in Saint Louis, Missouri

The venerable Pierce-Arrow marque enjoyed a long and impressive history of success prior to the difficulties of the 1930s, having manufactured some of the greatest of all motorcars of the Brass and Classic Eras. The controversial 1928 merger with Studebaker, driven by Pierce-Arrow's acute need for new-model development, provided the necessary resources for a new and highly acclaimed L-head eight-cylinder engine by 1929. As the stock market crashed that year and the Great Depression loomed, Pierce-Arrow resolutely focused on its luxury-car roots and wealthy and discerning clientele, avoiding the path others took of building less expensive mid-market cars. In January 1931, Pierce-Arrow announced the new Model 41, 42, and 43, with bodies differing only slightly in design from 1930. Visual cues of the 1931 Pierce-Arrow model line included a deeper radiator shell and effective use of brightwork offsetting the growing trend to more restrained exterior colors, while a new, bare-headed 'Archer' radiator mascot was also introduced. Pierce-Arrow's fantastic inline eight-cylinder engine continued to be one of the smoothest and most powerful available and technical innovations for 1931 included freewheeling, which allowed downhill coasting without the need to disengage the transmission or depress the clutch pedal. Throughout the marque's history, Pierce-Arrow was staunchly committed to providing its customers with the best and the most desirable factory-built and custom coachwork, a tradition proudly continued through the end of production in 1938. Through it all, Pierce-Arrow quality never diminished in the interest of greater production or lower cost. For example, over 300 stainless steel items were used per car for nuts, bolts, and hinges. Pierce-Arrow construction quality was without compromise, with only the finest northern White Ash used for the underlying structures. Body finishing was a rigorous 55-step process, with seven complete inspections made and 14 coats of lacquer paint applied. While several of the finest custom coachbuilders designed and supplied handsome and luxurious bodies for the Pierce-Arrow chassis, the company's own bodyworks equaled their grandeur. Noted designer Ray Dietrich is reputed to have devised the basic styling for the 1929 Pierce-Arrow models, and his influence remained profound on the 1930 and 1931 models, which only received select detail updates to their handsome design theme. Exuding pure "Jazz Age" character, this 1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 42 sports adventurous and stylish Touring Phaeton coachwork built by the factory's renowned craftsmen. Riding on a generous 142-inch wheelbase chassis - one-half inch longer than that of Duesenberg's contemporary Model J, it exemplifies Classic Era grandeur and elegance. Ample and under-stressed power - factory-rated 125 horsepower at just 3,000 rpm - is delivered by the superb Pierce-Arrow 366 cubic-inch L-head inline eight-cylinder engine, exceptionally engineered and purpose-built for incredible smoothness with nine main bearings supporting a crankshaft that was dynamically balanced by hand and then dynamometer-tested to virtual perfection by Pierce's fiercely meticulous staff. A four-speed manual transmission with new-for-1931 freewheeling - yields outstanding performance for the era, including top speeds of up to 85 mph, making the mighty Pierce ideal for extended touring pleasure. An exceedingly rare and eminently attractive factory-bodied Pierce-Arrow, this gorgeous Model 42 carries well-known history among devoted marque enthusiasts and collectors, including more than two decades of single-family ownership and care since 2000. According to the Pierce-Arrow Society, prior known owners were Hollis G. 'Duke' Davenport, Owen Stevens, and G. Lagueux of Quebec in Canada. A comprehensive restoration was performed under the prior ownership by the late Pierce-Arrow expert Al Morkunas of The Motorcar Co. in Staunton, Virginia, whose credits include the restoration and maintenance of the ex-Woodrow Wilson Pierce-Arrow for the Presidential Library and Museum. The restoration of this Model 42 was completed in 2013 and as offered, it remains beautifully preserved and maintained with recent attention to the fuel system. Finished in an appealing shade of Teal Green over Taupe leather upholstery and a matching soft top, the Pierce is highly equipped with period accessories, including the rear folding windscreen reminiscent of the swift wooden speedboats and open-cockpit biplanes of the era. Other highlights include twin accessory lights, an iconic Pierce-Arrow 'Archer' radiator mascot, twin external trumpet horns, dual side-mount spares with mirrors, wind wings, and a folding luggage rack to the rear. Weather gear includes the folding top, complete with a glass rear window, and a complete set of matching side curtains. Steel artillery-type wheels feature graceful pinstripe accents and mount period-style Firestone whitewall tires. Rightly recognized as a Full Classic� automobile by the Classic Car Club of America, this glamorous 1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 42 Touring Phaeton will provide a welcome entry into a veritable multitude of enjoyable CCCA and Pierce-Arrow Society shows and events with its abundant style, grace, and sporting luxury. It is also unmistakable with its front fender-mounted headlamps that remain a Pierce-Arrow signature. Best of all, with its sophisticated powertrain, this 1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 42 touring Phaeton will prove more than capable of keeping pace with its seemingly more exotic multi-cylinder contemporaries on extended classic tours, with plenty of room for friends and family to share the experience. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7286-1931-pierce-arrow-model-42-touring-phaeton/