1935 Pierce-Arrow 1245 Twelve Convertible Roadster

The Pierce-Arrow Company had been launched in 1901 and by the late 1920s was experiencing financial difficulties in a changing marketplace. The company merged with Studebaker in 1928 and the results showed up in improved mechanics and styling. The merger had its benefits but by 1931, sales were in decline, as was the entire American luxury automobile market. By 1933, Pierce-Arrow was back in private hands.

Nevertheless, Pierce-Arrow continued to offer high-quality motorcars. January 2, 1935, saw the beginning of production of the Model 1245. Despite financial troubles, the federal government helped Pierce-Arrow keep its hopes alive in the gloomy days at that time by purchasing two limousines with bulletproof glass for J. Edgar Hoover. Pierce would go on to build a tiny 875 cars in 1935. From these 875, there was the option of the cars having 8-cylinders or 12-cylinders. These Model 1245 cars really incorporated some of the greatest Art Deco elements into their styling, from their headlights to their bumper to their long decorative hood vents. The Pierce-Arrows powerful engine drew in so much attention that it eventually became the engine that would power Seagrave fire engines up until 1981.

The 1935 Model 1245 was powered by a 462 cubic-inch, seven-main bearing Pierce-Arrow twelve-cylinder motor that developed 175 horsepower. Two wheelbases were available: 1939- and 144-inch. Its mechanical features included synchromesh transmission, safety glass in all windows, and an automatic choke.

This Pierce-Arrow V-12 convertible coupe is one of less than ten built in 1934 and there is significant evidence this is the car displayed at the Chicago Auto Show in January of 1935. Purchased new by a businessman in Dayton, Ohio, the car has only had three owners in its first 78 years. The car joined the car collecting hobby early in its history, as the second owner was the president of the Pierce-arrow Society in 1954. Having always been garaged and cared for, age finally started to show from many years of use, and was restored in 2005. The car has no modifications of any kind and is displayed the same as when it left the factory. With its one-year-only styling, this car represents the finest Pierce-Arrow had to offer in the mid-1930s.