1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 41 Sport Sedan

In 1931, Pierce-Arrow was in its third year of 'marriage' with Studebaker, and the companies were progressing well together. The company's ultimate, top-of-the-line luxury sedan was the Pierce-Arrow LeBaron sports sedan, call a club sedan in Pierce-Arrow's lexicon, offered at $5,375, the price of a decent home at the time. LeBaron was originally formed by Ray Dietrich of Dietrich Inc Coachbuilders. With Dietrich's design influence, V-windsheilds, recessed dashboard, and long hood, this body is the forerunner of the 1932 to 1934 V-windsheild custom Dietrich on the 147-inch wheelbase. The trend in luxury cars of the early 1930s was the series custom model, a small number of 10 to 25 or so of a single bold individually trimmed.

This car, a Model 41 with an aluminum body, is one of only 5 Sport Sedans built by LeBaron on Pierce-Arrow's 147-inch wheelbase. The storied history of Pierce Arrow began with the founding in 1865 in Buffalo, NY of Heinz, Pierce and Munschauer. It was a manufacturing company that crafted an eclectic mix of products from ice boxes and gilded birdcages to bathtubs and bicycles.

In 1872 George Pierce bought out his partners and changed the name to George N. Pierce Company. His first car was built in 1901 and in 1903 Pierce introduced the Arrow, a bigger car. This led to the great Arrow with cast aluminum body panels on a 93-inch wheelbase and helped build Pierce's sterling reputation by winning the first five prestigious Glidden Tours.

Beginning in 1909, Pierce-Arrow became known as the car of Presidents when William H. Taft became the first President to use an automobile for official occasions. This practice continued until the last Pierces were ordered in 1935.

In its day, the name Pierce-Arrow was renowned as one of the most recognized and respected marques in the industry. Pierce-Arrows could be found wherever the rich and powerful gathered to work or play. In addition to transport for U.S. Presidents, Pierce-Arrow sold cars to the royal families of Japan, Persia (modern-day Iran), Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Belgium. Scores of congressmen, ambassadors, governors, businessmen, and entertainers chose Pierce-Arrows for their transportation as well.