1929 Pierce-Arrow Model 125 Touring

With financial resources in limited supply due to the Great Depression, one short-term solution for Pierce-Arrow was a 'business alliance' with cash-rich Studebaker, whose president, Albert Erskine, had long desired to offer a true luxury model. This alliance gave Pierce-Arrow additional resources for new models and new product development. The deal that the two firms worked out was officially called a 'merger', it was actually more of an acquisition of Pierce-Arrow by Studebaker.

The result of this merger was the development of the Pierce-Arrow Company's first eight-cylinder engine, a replacement for its long-lived six. The new engine was introduced in 1929. It weighed around 100 pounds less than the big T-head six that it replaced, and it offered 25 percent more power from a 12 percent smaller displacement. It was less expensive, with prices beginning at $2,775. This allowed the Pierce-Arrow company to offer no fewer than 12 body styles.

For 1929, the company's sales reached 8,000 units, which was an accomplishment never to be repeated.

This Pierce-Arrow Model 133 is a Tonneau Cowl Phaeton that was given a restoration prior to being purchased by Richard and Linda Kughn. It is finished in cream and black - colors which match an identical car featured in 1929 Pierce-Arrow advertising. The car is well equipped with many accessories, including the traditional Pierce archer mascot, painted wire wheels, wind wings, dual horns, dual driving lights, wide whitewall tires, dual side-mounted spares, and a canvas-covered trunk.

This car was displayed in Classic Car Club of America competition at the Michigan Grand Classic in 2008, where it was judged at 99 points in the Primary division. In August 2009, it again made an appearance, this time at the Pierce-Arrow Gathering at Gilmore, where it was awarded Director's Choice.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2014