1929 Pierce-Arrow Model 126

Pierce-Arrow earned an enviable reputation for its quality construction, styling, and durability. Their high prices kept them exclusive and as a status symbol, with their position elevated further by the number of Hollywood stars, royalty, and tycoon owners. They were among the pinnacle of American luxury automobiles of the era, with production at their Buffalo, New York factory lasting from 1901 to 1938.

Pierce-Arrow produced two models in 1929 and both were equipped with eight-cylinder power. The Model 133 (sometimes described as the Model 125) rested on a 133-inch chassis while the Model 143 (sometimes described as the Model 126) used a 143-inch platform.

1929 was the first year for the all-new straight eight-cylinder L-head engine that replaced Pierce's earlier sixes. By this point in history, many of the company's rivals had introduced eight-cylinder power many years earlier and some were on the brink of introducing even larger engines. Cadillac introduced its sixteen-cylinder engine near the close of 1929 and was quickly followed by Marmon. Many other luxury automakers quickly scrambled to introduce large and powerful engines, often quickening their inevitable demise as the economic constraints were too much to cope with during the Great Depression. Pierce's new eight-cylinder engine produced higher performance and more power than any other American eight, except Duesenberg. It used nine main bearings which ensured smooth, vibration-free operation at any speed.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2021