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1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Sedan Designer: Philip O. Wright Chassis Num: 01 |
In 1933 five very special streamlined show cars were built to promote Pierce-Arrow's new and highly acclaimed V12 engine. First shown at the New York Auto Show in 1933, the Silver Arrow was designed by Phil Wright and was actually built in the Studebaker factory. The motoring press at the time heralded the Silver Arrow with the slogan 'Suddenly its 1940!' Special attention was focused on aerodynamics; the wider-angle v12 allowed for a much lower engine bay and dramatic styling hid the twin side-mounted spare tires inside the fenders. It took over three months and thirty skilled men to build the five cars. This is one of the four Silver Arrows still known to exist. Of all the Pierce-Arrow models, the Silver Arrows is perhaps the most sought-after example of 1930s luxury cars.
This particular car, with serial number 1, caused a sensation when it was unveiled at The New York Auto Show in January of 1933. It was the most daring and radical automobile of its day, giving an unnerving glimpse into the future. The $10,000 price tag was humbling; the top speed, a death defying 115 mph. Only five were built. This one being one of three that survive today. It took three months and thirty skilled men to build the five cars, mostly by hand. This car has scored 100 points at the CCCA Concours. Also it has won Best of Show and most popular at the Burn Center Concours, Most Elegant at The Pebble Beach Concours, and other Best of Show at Various meets.
 |  |  | Sedan Designer: Philip O. Wright |
The Pierce-Arrow Company descended from Heintz, Pierce, and Munschauer in Buffalo, New York. It was founded in 1865 and manufactured bird cages and iceboxes. In 1896, George N. Pierce took control of the firm and began producing bicycles. With its elegant styling, dignified advertising, and respectable dealers, the Pierce-Arrow was the choice of wealthy owners and rivaled Packard for prestige. It pioneered the extensive use of aluminum, including cast-aluminum bodies. They were also the first automaker to feature hydraulic valve operation. Unfortunately, the conservative company clung to six-cylinder engines long after rivals Packard and Cadillac introduced V-8s.
By 1926 Pierce had been forced to merge with Studebaker and move to their headquarters in South Bend, Indiana. Hoping to stimulate sales, five hand-built concept cars, designed by Ralph Roberts and called Silver Arrows, were assembled in South Bend. At the Chicago Century of Progress International exposition in 1933 - and competing with Duesenberg's 'Twenty Grand' and Packards 'Car of the Dome' - the Silver Arrow upstaged them all with its integrated body and fenders, and tapered, aircraft-like shape.
The Silver-Arrow pioneered modern trends such as the rounded door openings, enveloped front fenders, low roofline, and flat body sides that concealed twin spare tires. With a marketplace that was flooded with a sea of boxy sedans, the sleek showcar was as modern as tomorrow.
Pierce-Arrow, best remembered for the Silver Arrow, went under in mid-1938.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2011
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| MOTOR SPORT'S FINEST HOURS WITH MERCEDES-BENZ CLASSIC | |
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| Mercedes-Benz Classic at the 2012 Grossglockner Grand Prix | |
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| Home again: the last Auto Union Type D twin-supercharger Silver Arrow returns to Audi | |
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| Legendary Tucker Automobiles on Display at 2012 Glenmoor Gathering | |
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 1933
Pierce-Arrow
models |
| Pierce Arrow Model 1236 Twelve |
| Pierce Arrow Model 1242 Twelve |
| Pierce Arrow Model 1247 |
| Pierce Arrow Model 836 |
| Similar Vehicles | |
 | 1934 Pierce Arrow Model 1250A |
| Pierce-Arrow: 1931-1940 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Pierce-Arrow History |
| Other models by Pierce-Arrow |
| Related Articles and Event Coverage |
| Portland Art Museum |
| Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance |
| Radnor Hunt Concours d'Elegance |
| 38 | Model 36 | Model 43 | Model 48 | Model 66 | Model 80/81 | Series 33 | Twelve |
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