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1935 Pierce-Arrow 1245 Twelve Convertible Roadster

  • Chassis Number: 3120036
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

2023 Bonhams : Quail

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $300,000-USD $400,000 
Sale Price :
USD $307,500

1935 Pierce-Arrow 1245 Twelve Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Pierce-Arrow 1245 Twelve

(Data based on Model Year 1935 sales)
1935 Pierce-Arrow Model 1245 Seven-Passenger Sedan
Chassis#: 3540023
Sold for USD$38,500
  2023 RM Sothebys : Hershey
1935 Pierce-Arrow 1245 Twelve image  1935 Pierce-Arrow 1245 Twelve image  
1936 Pierce-Arrow Model 1245 Convertible Coupe and Curtiss Aerocar Trailer
Chassis#: 3120036
Sold for USD$307,500
  2023 Bonhams : Quail
1935 Pierce-Arrow 1245 Twelve image  1935 Pierce-Arrow 1245 Twelve image  
1935 Pierce-Arrow Twelve Sedan
Chassis#: 3120071
Sold for USD$15,400
  2020 RM Sothebys : Auburn Fall Auction
 
1935 Pierce-Arrow Twelve Silver Arrow Coupe
Chassis#: 405002
Sold for USD$198,000
  2019 RM Sothebys : Hershey
1935 Pierce-Arrow 1245 Twelve image  1935 Pierce-Arrow 1245 Twelve image  
1935 Pierce-Arrow Model 1245 Coupe
Chassis#: 3120047
Sold for USD$151,200
  2019 Bonhams : Quail Lodge Auction
1935 Pierce-Arrow 1245 Twelve image  1935 Pierce-Arrow 1245 Twelve image  
1935 Pierce-Arrow Model 1245 Sedan
Chassis#: 3120071
Sold for USD$30,800
  2019 Bonhams : Greenwich Concours
 
1935 Pierce-Arrow Model 1245 Silver Arrow
Sold for USD$214,500
  2018 Mecum : Las Vegas
 
1935 PIERCE-ARROW 1245 SEDAN
Chassis#: 238S442
Sold for USD$23,100
  2016 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach
 
1935 Pierce-Arrow 12 Convertible Coupe
Chassis#: 3120066
Sold for USD$374,000
  2008 RM Auctions - Automobiles of Arizona
 
1935 Pierce-Arrow 1245 Rumble Seat Conv. Coupe
Chassis#: 405155
Sold for USD$203,500
  2005 Vintage Motor Cars at Meadow Brook Hall
 
1935 Pierce-Arrow 12 Convertible Coupe
Sold for USD$198,000
  2003 Vintage Motor Cars at Meadow Brook Hall
 

Pierce-Arrow 1245 Twelves That Failed To Sell At Auction

1935 Pierce-Arrow 1245 Twelve's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High

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1935 Pierce-Arrow 1245 Twelve

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