This 1930 Pierce-Arrow Model B Convertible Coupe is a wonderfully
luxurious pre-war convertible and is certified by the Classic Car
Club of America (CCCA) as a "Full Classic." From modest mid-19th
Century origins, few could have expected a small Buffalo-based
birdcage and ice box manufacturer would become one of the most
distinguished pre-War automobile builders who still today has left
a lasting legacy of design on automotive design in the United
States and across the globe. At the turn of the 20th century,
Pierce-Arrow was renowned for its technological advancements,
high-end build quality, and iconic design, highlighted by the
iconic fender-embedded headlight that was patented by the company
in 1913 and would eventually become the universal standard in the
US by the 1940s. However, by the late 20s, Pierce-Arrow had slipped
behind its rivals Cadillac and Packard with regards to
technological innovation, specifically in the fact that both
Cadillac and Packard were selling 8 cylinder engines whereas P-A
only offered a 6 cylinder engine. In 1928, after facing months of
financial trouble Pierce-Arrow sold to Studebaker making the
combined companies the 4th largest American auto group. Despite the
merger, Pierce-Arrow seemed to operate independently from its
lower-priced parent company. Then in 1929, the company released the
Pierce-designed straight 8, leading what appeared to be a
resurgence in sales at Pierce-Arrow and the best sales year in the
company's history. Coming off this massive success, Pierce-Arrow
released 3 new models, with 3 different engines, on 4 different
wheelbases for the 1930 model year, comprising 18 distinct body
styles. In retrospect, there were far too many choices in a time
where the company would have been better off keeping its offerings
simple and limited, due to Depression-induced financial uncertainty
and likely a shrinking customer base. While Pierce-Arrow's momentum
was slowed by the onset of the Great Depression, sales still
remained fairly strong in 1930 with total production sitting a tad
shy of 7,000 cars. Due to its status as a fine and distinctive
automobile, the Classic Car Club of America has designated this
1930 Pierce-Arrow as a Full Classic meaning that it's eligible to
participate at CCCA events and CARavans. This particular
Pierce-Arrow Convertible Coupe comes to us from a prominent museum
collection where it was well maintained. Powering this '30
Pierce-Arrow Convertible Coupe is a 366 cubic inch L-Head Inline 8
cylinder engine fed by a single 2 barrel Stromberg updraft
carburetor that together were rated at 125 horsepower from the
factory. The 366 CID Straight 8 is mated to a 3 speed manual
transmission that is shifted with a floor-mounted shifter. Exhaust
exits this Pierce's power plant via a single exhaust port,
generating a surprisingly quiet rumble out the rear as is often
touted by Pierce-Arrow enthusiasts. For an early '30s pre-war
automobile, this Model B Convertible Coupe is well-optioned. A
rear-mounted luggage rack makes this Pierce-Arrow a wonderful
choice for overnight CARavans since you can bring along your
belongings. Riding on a set of wide whitewall tires mounted on
optional wire wheels and accented with chrome hubcaps, this Pierce
Arrow Convertible Coupe has a truly upscale look. Further adding to
high-end look of this Pierce-Arrow are dual side-mounted spare
tires available should you need them, and each are topped with
optional side mirrors that provide improved visibility down the
sides of this CCCA Full Classic. The tan cloth convertible top
comes outfitted with a glass rear window and, like all convertibles
in this era, it's raised and lowered by hand. Supplementing the
iconic Pierce-Arrow fender-embedded headlights are a pair of
auxiliary fog lamps that provide additional visibility in low light
driving. The exterior of this Model B Convertible Coupe has a
wonderfully sporty look, comprised of a Crimson Red painted body
and louvered hood, with black accents and red pinstripes contrasted
by the black painted fenders with red edge piping. The interior of
this 1930 Pierce-Arrow Model B Convertible Coupe is also quite
luxurious. The front seat along with the rear rumble seat have been
refurbished in medium tan upholstery. The matching door panels,
wooden trim, black carpeting, steering wheel, and woodgrain-trimmed
dash all retain a nice stock appearance on this wonderful pre-war
Classic. Instrumentation includes a rotary-style speedometer,
temperature gauge, amp gauge, oil pressure gauge, and gasoline
gauge, as well as a clock by Waltham. The dash is finished off with
various other vehicle controls as well as a couple of chrome map
lights. Whether you're buying your very first classic car or you're
a card carrying CCCA member who's looking to add a great driver to
their stable of Full Classics, this 1930 Pierce-Arrow Model B
Convertible Coupe would make a great choice. Give Ellingson's call
today at 763-428-7337!
*366 Cu. In. L-Head Inline 8
*Stromberg Single 2 Barrel Carburetor
*3 Speed Manual Transmission
*125 Horsepower
*Rear Rumble Seat & Luggage Rack
*1 of 6,916 Pierce-Arrows built in '31
*Refinished in Crimson Red w/ Black Accents and Fenders
*Medium Tan Interior & Tan Cloth Convertible Top
*Wide Whitewall Tires w/ Optional Wire Wheels
*Dual Sidemounted Spare Tires w/ Outside Mirrors
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 61,907 Miles
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