1934 Pierce-Arrow Model 840A
| Model History | Auction sales research | Specifications | Body styles and Chassis Data |
Exterior Photos
Interior Photos
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By the close of the 1920's the Pierce-Arrow was struggling. Stiff competition was all around. Cylinder wars meant that companies were in need of continuing improvement mechanically. The onset of the Great Depression meant that the list of clienteles was dwindling and competition became even greater. In 1928, a stock swap left Albert R. Erskine in control of the Pierce-Arrow Company. Mr. Erskine was the president of Studebaker. He quickly introduced an eight-cylinder engine along with multiple new bodies and a host of features. This, coupled with lower prices, gave Pierce its best year ever with 9,700 examples produced. Legendary driver Ab Jenkins highlighted the Pierce-Arrow's capabilities by setting 79 records at the Bonneville salt flats. The Silver Arrow, designed by Phil Wright, 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. In total there were only five examples ever constructed. The following year a similar car was added to the model line-up. The 1934 Pierce-Arrow Model 840A Eight Silver Arrow Coupe finished in two-tone green was offered for sale at the 2006 RM Auction in Monterey, CA. It was estimated to sell between $200,000-$250,000. It is equipped with a 385 cubic-inch L-head eight-cylinder engine that produces 140 horsepower. The engine is matted to a three-speed manual gearbox and there are four-wheel drum brakes. There are twin side-mounted wheels with metal covers and red spoke rims with chrome wheel discs. Since new, this vehicle has been treated to a professional body-off restoration which was competed in 1994. It carries serial number 258001 which is the very first example built. It has been well taken off since new and has traveled less than 100 miles since restoration. The list of awards are very extensive. It is a CCCA Premier, CCA 100 Point Award, First in Class at the Pierce-Arrow National Meet in 1994 and 2001, The vehicle was awarded a First in class at the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance. It was voted Best of Show at the Glenmore Concours d'Elegance and First in Class at the Concours of the Eastern US. At auction the bidding got as high as $170,000 but was unable to satisfy reserve and the vehicle was left unsolved. In 2009, this car was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $200,000 - $250,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $187,000, including buyer's premium. By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2009 | |||||||
| Auction Sales Information | ||
| Auction | Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction | |
| Estimated Value: | $200,000-$250,000 | |
| Lot was not sold | ||
| Auction | Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey by RM Auctions | |
| Estimated Value: | $200,000-$250,000 | |
| Sale Price | $187,000 | |
| Event | Group | |
| Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey by RM Auctions | 1932-1941 | |
| Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction | 1910-1940 |
