Pierce Arrow Twelve Model 53, 1932 Twelve Model 53 | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Pricing, Information, Wallpaper, History

This Pierce-Arrow is a 1932 Model 30 Touring Sedan and powered by a twelve cylinder engine. It has dual side mounted tires, both are enclosed, and a rear trunk for carrying cargo. This car is in excellent condition with a very attractive two-tone paint scheme. There are white wall tires which adds to the allure of the vehicle. It is seen here at the 2007 Eastern Concours of the United States.

Pierce-Arrows were stately vehicles that commanded admiration and respect and had a price tag to match. The individuals who bought the most elite Pierce-Arrows were individuals that were high on the social ladder and cost was not an issue. The Pierce-Arrow catered to every demand and request, even keeping special colors on hand for important families and only using those colors for those vehicles and non-others. Most of the vehicle was custom, including the carpets, luggage, trunks, and seats. The Pierce-Arrows were more than just a custom and exclusive automobile, they were also known for their quality, reliability, performance, and sophistication.

The slow demise of the Pierce-Arrow Company began when other marques moved away from custom built automobiles to production lines. The mass produced vehicles raised the bar on quality and dependability. Though they could not guarantee exclusivity, they could guarantee a better product at a better price. When Cadillac introduced their 16-cylinder engine in 1929, Pierce-Arrow knew they had to improve their 12-cylinder engine to stay competitive. The Twelve was introduced in 1932 and came equipped with a 452 cubic-inch engine capable of producing 150 horsepower, just slightly below the output of the V16. By 1933, Pierce-Arrow had raised the output of their engine to 175 and the public approved, buying many examples and setting new sales records for Pierce.

1932 was a great year for the Pierce-Arrow Twelve. Ab Jenkins drove a 33,000 mile prototype to the salt flats of Bonneville. he set several records and then drove 2000 miles back to Buffalo. He returned the following year and set nearly 80 new records.

Unfortunately, the Great Depression was taking its toll on the company. Negotiations to merge with Auburn and Reo failed and Pierce-Arrow entered into bankruptcy. Buffalo business rescued the failing company, raised money and cut the work-staff by half. Sales improved for a short while but not enough to sustain the company. In 1937 the company closed its doors forever.

1932 Pierce Arrow Twelve Model 53
Year	1932
Make	Pierce Arrow
Model	Twelve Model 53
Body Style	Touring Sedan
Engine Location	Front
Drive Type	Rear Wheel
Production Years for Series	1932 - 1938
Weight	4740 lbs \| 2150.1 kg
Combined MPG	0.00

Engine
Engine Configuration	V
	L-Head
Cylinders	12
Aspiration/Induction	Normal
Displacement	426.00 CU IN. \| 6982.1 cc. \| 7 L.
Valves	24 valves. 2 valves per cylinder.
Valvetrain	OHV
Horsepower	175.00 BHP (128.8 KW)
Torque	175.00 Ft-Lbs (237.3 NM)
HP to Weight Ratio	27.1 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter	25.0 BHP / Liter
Compression Ratio	6.00:1
Fuel Type	Gasoline - Petrol
	Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight

Standard Transmission
Gears	3
Transmission	Manual
Final Drive	4.21:1

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1932 Pierce Arrow Twelve Model 53