Vehicle Description
1923 Pierce Arrow Model XB 3 Ton Flatbed
After years of discussion and planning, the first Pierce-Arrow
truck was shown in January, 1911. The five-ton stake-bed truck
featured a worm-drive rear axle and hard rubber tires. The
Pierce-Arrow worm-drive trucks were quieter and more reliable than
the chain-drive mechanism used by most trucks of the time. The
first Pierce-Arrow truck, the X-1, had a four-cylinder T-head
engine with 4 7/8? bore and 6? stroke. The truck had three forward
speeds and sold for $4500. The Pierce-Arrow truck set a new
standard for trucks made in America. The X-1 was augmented by a
two-ton model, the X-2 in 1913.
For consignment, a barn find version of the 1923 Pierce Arrow Model
XB. It is a 3 ton flatbed truck and is not oft seen let alone known
about as Pierce Arrow was known for its upscale automobiles it
produced...But Ahhhhh yes it also made trucks in the early years.
This one has a mostly cast iron and steel front end, engine
covering, and bed frame. A fine piece of early trucking just give
it some TLC then the gas.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Exterior
The first thing you'll notice on this example are 31-inch wood
spoked wheels wrapped in solid rubber. Technology of the time did
not allow for pneumatic tires that could properly handle the heavy
loads. These at one time were painted yellow like the exterior
frame, however it has long since worn off. Longsteel beams stretch
from the front to rear of the truck and is the foundation for all
on top. This includes a curved front fender framing the wheels in
front. A large honeycomb design radiator sits in the very front and
is wrapped in green painted cast iron and a round headlight flanks
either side. Moving back we see a cowled hood and eventually the
firewall which becomes the front of the open cab. Areas of invasive
rust are noted throughout this cowl and front firewall area. Behind
the front fenders are primitive running boards which are lined with
wood that has begun to rot. The back of the cab is made of wood and
has a high back that faces the bed behind the driver. This wood is
also in fair condition showing some water damage. The flat bed on
top of the rear steel frame is wood and shows weathering and edge
rotting on the back. Stake bodied open sides are within the field
of the flatbed on the edges. Noted are dual rear wheels and solid
tires.
Interior
A hop inside climbing over the primitive footrests puts me into the
open cab. Seating is on a primitive wood bench that has plenty of
patina paint. The floors are wood panels and in the center is a
metal plate for the shifter and handbrake. A long steering column
is in front of the driver with a large black steering wheel atop
it. Primitive instruments and circuit inputs along with some knobs
and pulls are on the full metal dash which is heavily surface
rusted. The gauges are all in need of restoration.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a large 447.9ci Inline 4 cylinder gas engine.
This is seized and will need to be taken apart. It has a 1-barrel
carburetor and a 3-speed manual transmission on the back with a 2
speed rear axle. The engine and bay have heavy surface rust.
Undercarriage
Underneath is heavy surface rust covering all steel parts which
remain structurally sound. Massive leaf springs are on for the
front and rear suspension, and mechanical drum brakes are on the
rear only.
A very interesting and very rare piece of early trucking history
for this 3 ton flatbed. It will take some work but in the end you
will have nearly a one of a kind truck.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
