1917 Pierce-Arrow Model 48 Touring

Pierce-Arrow was manufactured in Buffalo, New York between 1901 and 1938. By 1901 Pierce built its first single-cylinder two-speed (no reverse) Moterette with the engine licensed from de Dion, and in 1904, a two-cylinder was made and named the Arrow. In 1903 Pierce decided to concentrate on making a larger, more luxurious auto for the upscale market. This proved to be Pierce's most successful product, and the solidly-built cars with powerful engines gained positive publicity by winning numerous auto races.

Pierce-Arrow engines had cylinders that were cast in pairs and secured to all aluminum crankcases. Many parts were built by hand and all were of the finest quality. The Pierce-Arrow inline six-cylinder engine as seen in this 1917 Touring Car was NACC rated at 48 horsepower, but actually produced 92 horsepower and measures 525 cubic inches. In the teens and twenties, the Pierce-Arrow sixes were considered among the best and were coveted by people not only in the United States but also by many Europeans. They were known for their exceptionally high rate of customer satisfaction.

A long list of advanced features includes a live axle rear suspension with semi-elliptical leaf springs and two-wheel mechanical brakes.

The Pierce-Arrow was a status symbol, owned by Hollywood stars and corporate tycoons; royalty of many foreign nations had at least one Pierce-Arrow in their collections. It was known by many as the finest automobile ever made. Pierce-Arrow closed and holdings were sold on Friday, May 13, 1938.

The 48 Series was produced from 1916 to 1918, cost between $4,900 and $5,500, and, like all Pierce-Arrows, the body was cast aluminum. The original owner of this car was none other than George M. Cohan. He was the first of five owners. It has been faithfully restored exactly as Mr. Cohan ordered with several unusual options, including 'summer covers' of canvas to protect the leather seats from the hot sun. It has previously been shown only one time when it won 1st place in its class at Pebble Beach. Owned by discriminating collectors, it has participated in many touring events.

The car was delivered on August 13, 1917, in the present color scheme with inboard headlights, summer seat covers, and rear windshield. It has been reported that Cohan wrote the famous song Over There while driving this very automobile.

The car was inherited by Cohan's chauffeur and later sold to Marc Ralston, author of The Golden Age, concerning Pierce-Arrow automobiles that were built between 1905 and 1918.

The car was later sold to Dr. Gregg Johnson who undertook a three-year full restoration to its former color and condition. Dr. Johnson sold the car to the present owner in 1992 to make room in his collection for a vintage racer.