Vehicle Description
In 1878, George Pierce of Buffalo, New York, established the George
N. Pierce Company to produce common household goods such as ice
boxes and bird cages. Pierce earned a reputation for excellence,
and soon added a line of high-quality bicycles which proved so
successful, that the company focused completely on the two-wheelers
from 1895. Like several of their contemporaries, the bicycle boom
led to a natural transition into motorized transport. Pierce began
its initial foray into four-wheeled automobiles with a small steam
car in 1890. Although the steamer proved troublesome, it led to
experimentation with a quadracycle, before the Pierce Motorette
automobile was developed in 1901. The first model to use the
"Arrow" moniker came along for 1903 and positioned the engine up
front. In relatively short order, Pierce-Arrow automobiles were
considered among the finest cars built in America. In 1906 alone,
Pierce built roughly 400 of the 28-32hp cars and another 300 of the
highly exclusive 40-50 hp machines. Then, in 1909 Pierce introduced
its first Model 48 and ushered in the era of the company's longest
running model. During its lengthy reign, the Model 48 was always
powered by a big, powerful, T-Head six. Perhaps the most famous
distinguishing feature was the way the headlamps were fared into
the front fenders beginning in 1913, a design that was patented by
them and remained a Pierce Arrow trademark throughout the existence
of the firm. Pierce-Arrow continually evolved and refined the Model
48 throughout its lengthy production run. This particular 1916
Model 48 features Pierce's mighty 524 cubic-inch, 12-valve six with
a 4.5-inch bore and a long 5.5-inch stroke. Although the 48
indicated the taxable horsepower rating, the engine actually
produced in the area of 75 horsepower and a veritable ocean of
torque. With the assistance of a high rear-end ratio and the
four-speed transmission, the T-Head six would propel the large
touring car to speeds of up to 55 miles per hour with ease. The
Model 48 was available in a wide variety of open and closed styles,
and this example features the grand 7-Passenger Tourer body, which
is beautifully built and impressively imposing in its scale.
Pierce-Arrow bodies were made of cast aluminum, a skill the company
acquired from its years manufacturing general goods. In fact, the
company rarely employed outside coachbuilders. According to the
Pierce-Arrow Society, this wonderful motorcar is believed to have
originally been owned by the Fred Harvey Company, parent to the
famous Harvey House chain of restaurants, established during the
railway boom in the late 1800s and catering to travelers along
popular railway routes. The car was used in their Grand Canyon,
Arizona location, though it is unclear how long Harvey House owned
it. It resurfaced c.1970 with Robert Robbins of San Diego,
California. Eventually, it came into the care of well-known Pierce
enthusiasts Maj. General Rex A. Hadley and his wife Margaret A.
Hadley. The Hadleys were beloved characters in the Pierce-Arrow
Society, and they owned numerous examples of the marque, along with
other prominent classics. During the Hadley's ownership, the 524
cubic-inch engine was rebuilt, and correspondence on file lists the
work to include new aluminum pistons, rings, pins, new rod
bearings, and balanced rotating assembly. More recently, the
steering box and rear differential were rebuilt and numerous other
detailed tended to, to ensure the car is fully fit for touring
enjoyment. It snaps to life with ease, and runs with the smoothness
and deep, straight-six bellow that befits a big-displacement T-head
engine. Both Margaret and Maj. General Hadley passed away in 2006,
and the mighty Model 48 came into the care of its most recent owner
in 2007, remaining in his stewardship through 2022. Finished in
black and ivory, it is attractively accented with maroon coach
lines and artillery wheels. The paint is in excellent order thanks
to some recent freshening, with just some minor imperfections that
lend an appealing and inviting character. The interior features
black button-tufted leather upholstery and black carpeting, while
the lined black canvas top appears to have been recently replaced
and is in excellent condition. The high-quality restoration
displays an inviting patina that comes with years of care and
enjoyment. The entire car has a wonderful character and is very
much like the soft older leather: perfectly broken-in. This grand
Pierce-Arrow is extremely well-sorted, runs strong and will be
terrific for touring or for display in local, regional, and
marque-centric shows. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7498-1916-pierce-arrow-model-48-seven-passenger-touring/
