1933 Pierce-Arrow Model 836

Sold for $121,000 at 2014 Motor City Auction by RM Auctions.
In 1865 the company bearing his name was founded by George N. Pierce in Buffalo, NY. The company's first automobile, the Pierce Motorette, was produced in 1901 for the Pan-American Exposition. A new modern factory was completed in 1906 and the name changed to the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company.

Like many of his contemporaries in the early years, George N Pierce built bicycles. That was after an earlier stint making wire bird cages. Although the bicycle business was profitable, Pierce recognized that profits would increase directly with the number of wheels employed. Early efforts included six steam vehicles, under license from Overman. The steamers ran poorly and were quickly abandoned. In 1901, Pierce entered the internal combustion business.

Known for its uncompromising quality, reliability, and powerful motors, Pierce was one of America's finest motor cars. Pierce pioneered many innovations, one of which was integrating the headlights into the fenders.

This Model 836 Club Sedan was built for the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. It features a full leather interior, Stewart Warner mechanical power brakes, Startix automatic starting, and an automatic choke. It was restored by its current owner and completed in 2006. Chalk notifications under the body reinforcement plate indicate that the car was produced for a major automobile show and with no trunk rack.

There was evident the car left the factory with an all-leather interior. Removal of the door plate established the original color to be satin silver. The darker color is Chateau Gray with Eulan Gray striping. This was the first year Pierce used tinted glass.

It is the first car to have hydraulic valve lifters, full-flow oil filtration, and oil temperature control. It also sports ball-bearing spring shackles and a five-foot-long muffler, ensuring near-silent operation. The owner restored the car, completing it in January 2006.