Vehicle Description
On May 27, 1933 427 sparkling acres of the best technology that man could produce opened to the world in Burnham Park shoreline of Chicago. Chicago was home of the grandeur of internationally attended Worlds fair dubbed “A Century of Progress” the 1933 World's Fair brought the world's achievements to the Windy City. The Graf Zeppelin drifted in from Germany, the first Major League Baseball All-Star Game played at Comiskey Park, and the streamlined Zephyr train made a record-breaking dash into town for display.
Most dazzling for car enthusiasts was undoubtedly the Travel and Transport Building, which showcased the best and frequently most expensive automobiles that America had to offer. There was the one-off Duesenberg Model SJ Torpedo Sedan, nicknamed “Twenty Grand” for its cost in 1933 dollars, and all of the notable internationally known Marques.
Even among this rarefied company, Pierce-Arrow's Silver Arrow stood out.
The Silver Arrow, was debuted at the 1933 New York and Chicago Auto Shows. The vehicles had but one flaw, and that was its sticker price, costing a hefty $10,000. An example of the 1933 Pierce Arrow Silver arrow ( 1 of 3 now known just sold last month ( Dec. 2015) in New York city at the hands of RM - Sothebys for a staggering 3.74 Million US.
With so much fan fair and international attention to the yet to be seen Streamlined design , the Buffalo New York Based Pierce Arrow seen the need to tool up for the following years version of the Silver Arrow Coupe, yet somewhat tamed still offering Pierces' unique design including the radical and sloped tail of the Silver Arrow Coupe.
The 1934 Pierce Arrow Model 840 A Eight Silver Arrow Coupe was born. Again with limited productions and an adjusted price from the 33 Model , the Silver Arrow was a booming success for Pierce Arrow. Today there are only eleven known examples of the 1934 Pierce Arrow Silver Arrow Coupe.
The example I have the distinct pleasure to offer you is likely the best known 34' Silver Arrow of the hand full known. This example was the first off the production line , serial # 2580001.
This flamboyant Classic is refinished / restored back to its original and fabulous color combinations from 1934. Finished in two tones of green accented with a Persimmon wheels and matching pin-striping over the dark green found on the accentuated body lines.
This extraordinary designed Pierce Arrow was purchased by know collector of significant classics from Perrysburg Ohio. He purchased the car from Buffalo New York, the manufacturing home of Pierce Arrow since inception . The owner previous was in Buffalo and his mother had worked at the Pierce Arrow plant .
The car was advertised as 90% restored and had been the recipient at that time of a ‘frame off' restoration. The car was finished in Silver / Blue with a Grey cloth pinstripe upholstery. New owner being a connoisseur of significant cars and high quality restorations was not going to stay satisfied with the Silver Arrows current restoration and commissioned Bob Anzalone of Newport Michigan to embark on a highest quality no holds barred restoration on this significant Full Classic Silver Arrow Coupe. Not content with the quality of the restoration nor the color combination. In the restoration process Anzalone discovered areas of original finish while dismantling the Pierce on preparation for the full frame off restoration. At that same time the owner of the car had located and sourced some significant all original show room brochure of the 1934 Pierce Arrow line up including the Silver Arrow Coupe. In this color full line original Dealership Catalogue the Silver Arrow Coupe was displayed in two tones of Green with Persimmon stripping and spoked wheels. The decision of colors became far simpler, as this example boasting serial number 2580001, had already been recognized as the first 34 Silver Arrow Coupe produced , it was clear that the rendition in the sales brochure was in fact of this very example.
This historically important Silver Arrow has benefited from a comprehensive, high-point professional body-off restoration, completed in 1994. The car was restored by Bob Anzalone of Michigan. The mechanical restoration, including a full engine rebuild, was completed by master mechanic Brian Joseph of Classic & Exotic Service in Detroit. Interior trim was tailored by James Roll of New Philadelphia, Ohio. This seasoned owner of fine Classics was invited to show the car at the worlds most renowned show, Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. With the car completed in early 1994 and an invite to show in Monterey at Pebble Beach the 44th Annual 1994 show. The beautiful and outstanding 1934 Pierce Arrow graced the lawns of the 18th Fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance the annual gathering of rare and antique automobiles, international automotive luminaries and motorcar enthusiasts from around the globe. It is an event of dazzling elegance, appropriately held at a resort famous for both its beauty and its refinement. This Silver Arrow Coupe was a star among some of the Worlds finest and most significant Classic cars on the planet and the 1934 Pierce Arrow Silver Arrow Coupe was certainly recognized and was awarded a significant BEST IN CLASS and awarded 100 points at the finest Concours in the world, a well deserved accreditation.
After Pebble Beach the Silver Arrow was shown at a number of other significant Concours and events with equal attention, respect and a number of first pace showings. After a number of years of proud ownership the owner passed the torch of ownership on to another owner / curator of significant cars. The Silver Arrow over the next ten plus years did dawn the collections and coach houses of a number of significant 'big game' collectors. I purchased the car privately in 2012. A very good customer of Old Is New Again purchased the car and in doing so had completed his "Three P's Collection" Packard, Pierce Arrow and Peerless. An often dreamt about but seldom completed 'bucket list' goal. The Three P's were by far the most significant, respected and appreciated North American classic cars of the 1930's. In its last ownership it was cared for as well as it had since its restoration in 1994. The difference this time is as a true enthusiast and fully appreciating how great these cars both looked in styling and design they also performed and drove like no other. As an owner of many important classic cars in his collection the intention was to use the Pierce. And in four years the car seen careful and considerate use and clocked over 3000 tour and CARavan miles in sanctioned AACA, CCCA and Pierce Arrow sanctioned tours and events. In doing so, this Pierce has seen great improvements and updates mechanically preparing the car to its full use after many years of show field appearance and static display in collections.
Today this outstanding and significant Full Classic is as it appeared on the Lawn at Pebble in 1994 with its First in Class Award. The plus is the car is turn key ready and would most certainly be up for any touring and CARaving the new owner may want to enjoy with one of the Most Significant Classic Cars of its era.
A partial list of awards are as follows:
•Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance -1994- 100 Points, Best in Class
• CCCA Premier
• CCCA 100 Point Award (twice)
• Pierce-Arrow National Meet - 1994 - First in Class
• Pierce-Arrow National Meet - 2001 - First in Class
• Meadow Brook Concours d' Elegance, Featured Marque, First in Class
• Concours of the Eastern U.S., First in Class, Design Achievement, Best Closed Car
• Glenmore Concours d' Elegance, Canton Ohio, Best of Show
Please call today to discuss this 1934 Pierce Arrow Silver Arrow @ 519 573 3669 or email [Email Dealer]
see our website www.oldisnewagain.ca
