1936 Pierce-Arrow Deluxe 8 Sedan

George N. Pierce began manufacturing bathtubs, birdcages, and iceboxes in 1878. A line of children's tricycles and adult bicycles soon followed. Mr. Pierce built his first horseless carriage in 1901. When Pierce Arrow fell into financial trouble, Studebaker purchased it for $5.7 million and became the fourth-largest auto manufacturer in the United States. Studebaker later sold Pierce Arrow to a group of private investors in 1933 for $1 million.

Pierce-Arrow touted their 1936 models as the 'world's safety car.' Their justification for this was the welded and riveted frame comprised of two box side beams, five cross-members, and a center X-brace. The massive frame was comprised of two box girders along each side, with five rigid cross-members welded to these girders at the front and rear of the car. In the center of the frame was a huge X-brace that was welded and riveted to the side girders. This new 'super frame' was certainly needed to support the other heavy components, such as the engine and body.

The 1936 cars were given 36 important and major improvements. Power for the 1601 Series Deluxe 8 was from a 385 cubic-inch 8-cylinder engine offering 150 horsepower. They had a three-speed synchro-mesh gearbox, automatic overdrive, and freewheeling. Freewheeling allowed the cars to coast whenever the foot was lifted from the accelerator.

This Pierce Arrow 1601 Sedan represents one of the six different body styles offered in 1936, on either a standard 139-inch or the longer 144-inch wheelbase. Customers could also choose between an eight or twelve-cylinder engine.

This example rides on a 139-inch wheelbase and is powered by the 385 cubic-inch inline-8 cylinder engine backed by a 3-speed transmission with overdrive.