1915 Pierce-Arrow Model 48 Suburban

Pierce-Arrows large-displacement T-head six-cylinder engines featured cylinders cast in pairs, supported by aluminum crankcases, with every component built using the finest materials. All engines were dynamometer-tested for performance before being completely disassembled, inspected, and tested again for smoothness.

The bodies were built from 1/8-inch aluminum panels cast in the company's own foundry. Pierce-Arrow Chief Engineer Herbert Dawley usually met personally with the customers, who specified the colors, interior materials, and accessories for their purchase.

Chassis number 13304
This Packard is a Seven-Passenger Suburban that retains its original matching-numbers engine. It is one of just two known 1915 Model 48 Suburbans remaining in existence today. It is the sole known 'dome-roof' example. It is believed that it was purchased new in the Hershey, PA area by the confectioner, industrialist, and philanthropist Milton S. Hershey of Hershey Chocolate Company fame. It remained within Mr. Hershey's vehicle fleet until the early 1920s. It was later sold and relocated to Virginia, where it remained under single-family ownership until just prior to 1970. It was then acquired by the Ernie Stern family of Pittsburgh, PA, and retained by them until their passing.

In 1995, the car was acquired from the Stern Estate by Pat Craig. In 1997, Mr. Craig sold the car to Idaho's Bill Lawton. On December 11th of 2003, the current California-based owner acquired the car from Mr. Lawton.

The car is finished in its factory-original color scheme of brown and black, and complemented by matching upholstery in wool and leather. It rides on correct 27-inch wheels and proper Goodrich Johnson rimes. The car has the monogram of Mr. and Mrs. Stern on the rear doors. Mechanical upgrades include the installation of a 1918-model starter and flywheel, and a Pierce-Delco dual-ignition distributor. The original year-correct coil box, commutator, and magneto remain with the car.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2013