1935 Pierce-Arrow 1245 Twelve Convertible Roadster

Pierce-Arrows twelve-cylinder engine, introduced in 1932, was designed by Karl M. Wise and given an L-head design. It was powerful, smooth, quiet, and robust and powered the top-of-the-line models through the end of the company's lifetime in 1938.

This 1936 Pierce-Arrow Model 1245 Convertible Coupe is a unique vehicle as it is paired with a Curtiss Model C22-2B Aerocar Trailer. They have been together during their entire existence, in single-family ownership in Malibu, California. The Aerocar arrived first, being delivered to Merritt Adamson Sr. in 1933. Initially, a Dodge Sedan pulled the Aerocar, but when it proved to be unreliable, a V12 Pierce was acquired to do the job. The Convertible Coupe was lightly modified in order to pull the trailer. The rumble seat was replaced with a fixed frame which used a period cast aircraft wheel that floats within it and uses the tire as a damper for the hook-up to the trailer. A vacuum-operated brake system was connected from the car to the trailer, along with a telephone so that Mr. Merritt Sr. could communicate with the driver while he rode in the back.

The trailer contains a compact kitchen, a fold-down bed, and even rudimentary bathroom facilities.

In 1975, Bill Lawton was commissioned to commence a refurbishment of the 1245, which was finished in time for Merritt Adamson Jr's birthday in 1982. The trailer was never restored and remains original.

The twelve-cylinder, L-head, 80-degree engine displaces 462 cubic inches, has two Stromberg carburetors, and produces 175 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual transmission, four-wheel drum brakes, and a semi-elliptical leaf spring suspension with a live rear axle.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2023