1910 Pierce-Arrow Model 48

The year 1909 marked a significant milestone for the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company. Within a short span of ten years, the Buffalo-based company had not only survived the fiercely competitive early years of the American automobile industry but also ranked among the top luxury car makers, a segment dominated by what would be known as the Three Ps: Packard, Peerless, and Pierce-Arrow. These marques distinguished their products from most other vehicles by the vast price, quality, durability, locomotive-like engineering, and the statement they made.

From household products and the manufacturing of bird cages, the Pierce company turned to bicycles and then to automobiles shortly after the turn of the 20th century. For over three decades, the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company (the company adopted the Pierce Arrow Motor Car Company name in 1909) ranked among the most respected and renowned automakers in America. Pierce-Arrow emphasized quality, craftsmanship, and longevity, gaining the respect and admiration of America's social elite. In 1909, U.S. President William Howard Taft ordered two Pierce-Arrows to be used for state occasions, the first official cars of the White House.

The styling was conservative, elegant and tasteful, and the 525 cubic inch six-cylinder engine offered an abundance of power to carry the large and stately coachwork. The bodies were made of cast aluminum and draped over a generous 134-inch wheelbase. Pierce's exclusive casting method had the body sections riveted together with lapped joints. Many components were made from exotic materials, such as Krupp chrome-nickel axle shafts and a manganese bronze differential case. The six-cylinder engine was cast in pairs with bearings installed between each, resulting in an extremely rigid crankshaft. Displacing 453 cubic inches, the T-head engine with a single Updraft carburetor produced 48 horsepower. It was mated to a four-speed Selective Sliding gearbox, and two-wheel mechanical drum brakes with transmission brake provided the stopping power. The suspension was comprised of semi-elliptical springs and Hartford Shock Absorbers.

1910 Pierce-Arrow Model 48
The Runabout body style, priced at $4,850, was the sole 1910 Model 48 to reside on a 128-inch wheelbase; the others rested on a 134.5-inch platform. The Mini-Tonneau was priced at $4,825, the Touring was just over $5,000, the Suburban at $5,125, and the Landaulette broke the six-thousand mark with a $6,200 price tag.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2024