1937 Pierce-Arrow Model 1702 Metropolitan Town Brougham by Brunn

In 1937, only 137 Pierce-Arrows were built and in 1938 there were only 17 vehicles created before the company closed its doors forever. The vehicles they created were some of the greatest masterpieces of the early 1900s. No expense was spared and many were created specifically for the future owner, complying with each and every request and demand. The demise of the company was due to a struggling economy. The Great Depression was thinning out the number of individuals who could afford one of these magnificent creations. Many luxury automobile manufacturers moved down the market in an attempt to stimulate new buyers and ultimately increase sales.

This example has an eight-cylinder engine capable of producing 150 horsepower. It uses four-wheel Bendix vacuum power-assisted hydraulic brakes to stop the vehicle and a three-speed overdrive transmission to send power to the rear wheels. It has a custom coach-built body by Brunn. It is finished in a two-tone color scheme with silver and black. The headlights are built into the fenders. It came equipped with side-mounted enclosed spare tires.

This is a chauffeur-driven car. The owners rode in the back of the vehicle, and it afforded them much space to spread out their legs and relax. There was a divider window between the driver and its occupants which could be rolled down.

It is believed that Johnny Carson and Doc Severinson were chauffeured around St. Louis, Missouri in this car.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2009