Vehicle Description
Car No. 311206
Engine No. 314-026
Introduced in late 1918 as the marque's post-war flagship,
Pierce-Arrow's Series 31 paired a freshly engineered 415-cu-in
"Dual Valve" inline-six-four valves per cylinder, detachable heads
and dual Delco ignition, rated at approximately 75 horsepower-with
patented 1/8-inch ALCOA cast-aluminum coachwork. Each chassis was
subjected to multiple dynamometer sessions and a 100-mile test run
before delivery, guaranteeing the hushed refinement and rugged
reliability that distinguished the Series 31.
Previous research indicates that chassis 311206 was completed in
1919 with its 415 cu-in "Dual Valve" engine installed the following
year. It survives in remarkably authentic condition, retaining its
cast-aluminum fenders, hood, and lights, as well as the factory
tool kit secured in the passenger-side door pocket.
Discovered unrestored on a Central Valley California ranch, the car
was acquired in 2007 by noted Pierce-Arrow restorer Patrick Craig
of Stockton, California, who commenced a comprehensive, body-off
restoration. Mr. Craig deemed the car to retain its original
aluminum bodywork, even with the cowl mounted lights, as a late
1919 model. Specialist Richard Bowley rebuilt the original
matching-numbers engine and drivetrain in its entirety, while Ken
Niminick renewed the Pierce-Arrow in period-correct green over
brown leather and fashioned both full and "California"
side-curtains. Replated nickel brightwork and concours-quality
detailing completed the transformation.
During Tom and JoAnn Martindale's ownership, the restored tourer
has proved its roadworthiness, collecting People's Choice honors on
Nickel Age and HCCA tours across Oregon, Nevada, and California and
garnering awards at Hillsborough and Palo Alto concours events. In
2016 Mosier Restoration further refined the car, dyno-tuning the
engine, rebuilding the steering box with new gears and bearings,
fitting fresh brakes, and re-coring the radiator to ensure
dependable cooling in modern traffic.
Elegant, technically sophisticated, and tour-ready, this
Pierce-Arrow offers its next caretaker a rare blend of originality,
proven road manners, and concours success seldom encountered in
pre-war American motoring.
