1917 Pierce-Arrow Model 66 Seven-Passenger Tourer

The Pierce-Arrow Model 66 A-4 Seven-Passenger Tourer rested on a 147.5-inch platform and was powered by a six-cylinder engine that displaced 825 cubic inches. The engine was massive and believed to have produced over 100 horsepower. It had so much power and torque that it was among the mightiest automobiles of the era.

Pierce-Arrow pioneered thin cast-aluminum panels work in its bodies, making the vehicles much lighter and stronger than the wooden bodies or metal-paneled wooden frameworks used by its competitors.

In 1914, electric starting was added to the Model 66. The following year, a pressurized fuel delivery system, using an engine-operated air pump to pressurize the fuel tank, was added. The final model 66 Series 4 debuted in 1916 and would remain in production through 1918.

The engine in the Model 66 had dual ignition from a coil-and-battery system and a magneto, plus it was built with a number of aluminum parts. The fuel tank could hold 36 gallons of fuel, something that was needed for the vehicle which got 8.5 miles per gallon.

It is believed that around 1,250 Model 66 Pierce-Arrows were built from 1910 through 1918. Around 14 examples are known to exist in modern times, and just seven are of the Model 66 A-4 series.

This example is finished in two tones of blue with a black leather interior and a black Panasote top. It rides on 27-inch Johnson wheels, has a luggage trunk, and full side curtains with 'gypsy' windows providing protection to the occupants at the rear compartment.

In 2010, this car was offered for sale at the 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $300,000 - $400,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $319,000 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2010