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This 1931 Pierce-Arrow was the first classic car to win Best of Show at Pebble Beach.
The car has been in Phil Hill's family the whole of its sixty-nine years, always residing in exactly the same garage. 'I still remember the day it was delivered' says Hill, who was then nearly four. 'It was sensational when it was brand new.' It remains so today.
Hill, who won three of the seven Pebble Beach Road Races and went on to become America's first World Drivers Champion, learned to drive in this very car. He later drove it to and from college. And later still, he restored it from the ground up and drove it to the 1955 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
'Restoring it was a labor of love,' Hill says. He didn't expect the car to win at the Concours, in fact, he doubted its welcome there. Prior to 1955, Best of Show had always gone to a car not long off the showroom floor; modern cars were clearly favored. A few valued antiques were also exhibited, but Hill's car was neither new nor old. The term 'classic' had just been introduced as a specific reference to cars of the post-antique, prewar era, but the term was little known and little accepted. Classis then were more often considered tow cars. Hill's restoration of this Pierce-Arrow was most certainly one of the first complete restorations of a classic car.
When Hill drove the Pierce onto the lawn of The Lodge at Pebble Beach, it drew immediate debate. A few strong-minded judges saw beyond category to quality, and the car won out. Hill had to rush over from working on his race car to accept the award.
Over the past forty-five years, Hills had put a number of 'flogged miles' on the car. He takes it out several times annually - often for tours and rallies -and he pushes it well above seventy. The car and its restoration have withstood the test of time. The top was replaced about four years back, and for this, its fourth appearance at Pebble Beach. Hill retouched some of the paint. With these two exceptions, the car remains as Hills restored it - much as it was when new.
The car has been in Phil Hill's family the whole of its sixty-nine years, always residing in exactly the same garage. 'I still remember the day it was delivered' says Hill, who was then nearly four. 'It was sensational when it was brand new.' It remains so today.
Hill, who won three of the seven Pebble Beach Road Races and went on to become America's first World Drivers Champion, learned to drive in this very car. He later drove it to and from college. And later still, he restored it from the ground up and drove it to the 1955 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
'Restoring it was a labor of love,' Hill says. He didn't expect the car to win at the Concours, in fact, he doubted its welcome there. Prior to 1955, Best of Show had always gone to a car not long off the showroom floor; modern cars were clearly favored. A few valued antiques were also exhibited, but Hill's car was neither new nor old. The term 'classic' had just been introduced as a specific reference to cars of the post-antique, prewar era, but the term was little known and little accepted. Classis then were more often considered tow cars. Hill's restoration of this Pierce-Arrow was most certainly one of the first complete restorations of a classic car.
When Hill drove the Pierce onto the lawn of The Lodge at Pebble Beach, it drew immediate debate. A few strong-minded judges saw beyond category to quality, and the car won out. Hill had to rush over from working on his race car to accept the award.
Over the past forty-five years, Hills had put a number of 'flogged miles' on the car. He takes it out several times annually - often for tours and rallies -and he pushes it well above seventy. The car and its restoration have withstood the test of time. The top was replaced about four years back, and for this, its fourth appearance at Pebble Beach. Hill retouched some of the paint. With these two exceptions, the car remains as Hills restored it - much as it was when new.
No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.
1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 41 Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Pierce-Arrow Model 41
(Data based on Model Year 1931 sales)
1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 41 Convertible Victoria by LeBaron Chassis#: 3050235 Sold for USD$418,000 2022 RM Sothebys : The Hershey Auction | |
1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 41 Convertible Sedan by LeBaron Chassis#: 3050251 Sold for USD$154,000 2017 RM Sotheby's : Arizona Auction | |
1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 41 Convertible Victoria by LeBaron Chassis#: 3050235 Sold for USD$456,500 2016 RM Sotheby's : Hershey | |
1931 PIERCE-ARROW MODEL 41 SEVEN PASSENGER TOURING Chassis#: 3050171 Sold for USD$137,500 2014 Barrett-Jackson's 43RD Annual Scottsdale Auction | |
1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 41 Convertible Victoria Chassis#: 3050235 Sold for USD$385,000 2012 RM Auctions - Monterey | |
1931 PIERCE-ARROW MODEL 41 LEBARON SPORT SEDAN Chassis#: 325761 Sold for USD$132,000 2012 Barrett-Jackson at Scottsdale, Arizona | |
1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 41 Lebaron Convertible Sedan Chassis#: 3050251 Sold for USD$137,500 2011 Worldwide Auctions - The Classics at the Trump Taj Mahal | |
1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 41 7-Passenger All Weather Tourer Chassis#: 3050219 Sold for USD$173,250 2010 RM Auctions - Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey | |
1931 PIERCE ARROW MODEL 41 7 PASSENGER Sold for USD$79,000 2002 Kruse Auction - Tulsa, OK |
Pierce-Arrow Model 41s That Failed To Sell At Auction
1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 41's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 41 Convertible Victoria by LeBaron | 3050235 | 2020 RM Sothebys : Shift/Monterey | $375,000 | $450,000 | |
1931 PIERCE ARROW 7-PASSENGER SEDAN (LHD) | 2014 Shannons Sydney Winter Classic | ||||
1931 Pierce-Arrow Convertible Sedan by LeBaron | 3050251 | 2011 RM Auctions at Monterey | $145,000 | $225,000 | $275,000 |
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1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 41
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