Vehicle Description
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/
