Vehicle Description
Pierce-Arrow's mighty Model 66 was one of the largest, grandest and
most powerful automobiles sold in America during the Brass Era.
Putting the importance of the magnificent Model 66 into
perspective, it is considered by some to be the Brass Era
equivalent to the Classic Era's Bugatti Type 41 Royale. It is one
of the most desirable automobiles of the period, and though records
show that 1,250 were built between 1910 and 1918, a mere 14
survivors are known to exist today. The beautiful and imposing
Model 66 is highly sought after by collectors and rarely do such
examples come up for sale on the open market. Named for the
headline-grabbing power output of its immense inline six-cylinder
engine, the Model 66 first debuted in 1910. For the initial
production run, the T-Head engine displaced 714 cubic inches, or
approximately 11.7 liters. By 1913, engineers bumped the
displacement to 825 cubic inches, or a full 13.5 liters. With the
increase in displacement came a subsequent jump in power to nearly
100 horsepower, otherworldly figures for a time when the ubiquitous
Model T produced about 20 horsepower from 177 cubic inches. Despite
the increase of power, the model name remained the same. As
impressive as those figures are, the old adage of "sell horsepower
but drive torque" rang true even back in 1913, for the long stroke
engine revved to only 1500 rpm and produced locomotive-like torque,
allowing smooth and effortless performance. Prior to building
automobiles, the company that eventually became Pierce-Arrow had
vast experience in building household items, bicycles and in
particular, ornate gilded bird cages. When the focus shifted to
motorcars, they applied their experience working with different
materials to their new products. Like other Pierce Arrows of the
time, the Model 66 wore a body constructed of cast aluminum,
produced in the company's own foundry. The aluminum body was light
and strong, with superior longevity thanks to a minimal use of
traditional wooden frame work. For such a large and expensive
motorcar, the coachwork was equally grand and regal, with most cars
bodied in-house as multi-passenger touring cars and limousines. The
motorcar being offered is a 1916 Model 66-A-4, the final evolution
and most desirable of the series. The 66-A-4 was equipped with the
massive 825c.i. engine, dual ignition from both a coil-and-battery
system as well as a magneto, and used aluminum alloy for the crank
case and other engine components. Discounting only the singular
66-A-5 prototype, this chassis is the most advanced of all Model
66s known. According to historian Bernard Weis, chassis number
67219 was acquired by Pierce collector Milo Smith from well-known
restorer Carl Amsley of Pennsylvania, who had purchased it from
Lewis Crossett of Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. Amsley had produced a
correct-style body for the car, using new castings made to original
designs. As many original Pierce-Arrow components as possible were
used, including a Model 48 cowl and fenders, which were reshaped
and lightly modified to accommodate the larger Model 66. Upon
inspection today, it can be seen that the work was performed with
exquisite craftsmanship, closely matching the original casting
techniques used by the factory. The engine, number A4 269, is
recorded by the Pierce-Arrow Society as having been produced
between December 1915 and August 1918. Various respected
Pierce-Arrow 66 authorities, including Patrick Craig, have
confirmed this to be a correct 66-A-4 passenger car engine.
Furthermore, the original frame stamping, 67219, is still visible
under the front floorboard. Mr. Smith reportedly eventually donated
the restored car to his church, after which, in 1999, it was
acquired by longtime HCCA member and Pierce enthusiast Norm
Buckhart. Mr. Buckhart treated 67219 to a fresh, photo-documented
restoration performed by the respected Allan Schmidt, of Horseless
Carriage Restorations in Escondido, California, including extensive
mechanical work, down to new engine bearings. The restoration was
followed by several hundred reliable touring miles in HCCA events.
Before selling the car to the most recent owner, Mr. Buckhart again
had the restoration freshened by the late Pierce-Arrow authority
Eric Rosenau, including a thorough mechanical sorting with a valve
adjustment and carburetor rebuild. It remains in excellent
mechanical order to this day and is ready for road-duty and
attractive enough for show. Today, this car presents beautifully in
an extremely handsome yet understated two-tone grey color scheme,
complemented by a black folding top with rear quarter windows. The
painted radiator shell and wooden artillery wheels with six Johnson
rims were original Pierce-Arrow options. The overall presentation
remains extremely attractive and its size and stature are quite
simply jaw-dropping. In combination with the stunning looks, its
vast interior and immense power, make this Model 66 a superb choice
for both shows and tours. As with all 1915-24 Pierce-Arrows, it is
recognized as a Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America and
thus can even be used for their CARavan tours, for which it would
make a faithful companion. The sale includes operating
instructions, service and maintenance catalog reprints and some
restoration photos. Simply put, the acquisition of a Model 66 ranks
as a "holy grail" experience for Pierce-Arrow enthusiasts, and any
fan of early automobiles is sure to be taken by its impressive
stature and performance.