 1932 Model 53 | 1934 1240A Twelve  | 1934 Model 1248 Custom Twelve | 1934 Model 1250A |
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1933 Pierce-Arrow Model 1247 news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  | LWB Convertible Sedan Coachwork: LeBaron Chassis Num: 3550040 Engine Num: 355074 |
| Sold for $660,000 at 2010 Gooding & Company. | ||
For many years, this vehicle has resided in the Garganigo Brothers' Antique Auto Museum in Princeton, Massachusetts. It was purchased in the 1960s by Eugene Zimmerman of Harrisburg, PA who bought the collection. Charles Vatter of Blairsville, PA undertook a complete restoration of this rare open Pierce. Upon completion of the work, the car won an impressive list of awards and honors including a 100-point judgment at Grand Classic, several CCCA National First Awards, the James Melton Cup presented by the AACA and a Class Award at the 1991 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
Dr. Alvin Zamba of Pittsburgh, PA acquired the car in the early 1990s. In 1997, it was sold to Otis Chandler. It remained in his collection until his passing in 2006. It was sold to another California collector.
In 2010, this vehicle was offered for sale at the Pebble Beach Auction presented by Gooding & Company. The car was estimated to sell for $375,000 - $425,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $660,000 inclusive of buyer's premium
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2010
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.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2006
For more information and related vehicles, click hereThe 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.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2006
 1933
Pierce-Arrow
models |
| Pierce Arrow Model 1236 Twelve |
| Pierce Arrow Model 1242 Twelve |
| Pierce Arrow Model 836 |
| Pierce Arrow Silver Arrow |
| Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1933 |
| Packard 1005 Twelve ($3,700-$4,700) |
| Pierce Arrow Model 1242 Twelve ($3,796-$4,365) |
| Cadillac 452C V16 ($6,250-$8,000) |
| Packard 1006 Twelve ($4,085-$7,034) |
Average Auction Sale: $660,000 |
| Pierce-Arrow: 1931-1940 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Pierce-Arrow History |
| Other models by Pierce-Arrow |
| Related Articles and Event Coverage |
| Gilmore Car Museum |
| Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance |
| Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auctions |
| 38 | Model 36 | Model 43 | Model 48 | Model 66 | Model 80/81 | Series 33 | Twelve |
| 1932 Model 53 | 1934 1240A Twelve | 1934 Model 1248 Custom Twelve | 1934 Model 1250A |
