1911 Pierce-Arrow Model 36 Touring

Pierce-Arrow was a leading luxury car throughout its existence, competing head-on with Packard. The company started in 1878 as the George N. Pierce Co., making bicycles. Its first car, introduced in 1901, was a small, 1-cylinder carriage. The cars became progressively larger and more powerful. The Arrow was introduced in 1903 and the Great Arrow in 1904. The Great Arrow was among the largest and most expensive cars at the time, selling for $4,000 - equivalent to $100,000 today. It was also a good performer and reliable, winning the first five Glidden Tours from 1905 through 1909.

In 1908 the company's name was changed to Pierce-Arrow; by 1910 three distinct models were made, the 36, 48, and 66. This 1911 model 36 is the smallest, the most nimble, and the easiest to drive of the three. It was restored in the 1980s and was owned by noted Pierce-Arrow expert Dr. Leo Parnagian for 23 years.

Pierce-Arrow continued to make fine luxury cars until 1938. Studebaker purchased the company in 1928 which gave it more financial support, but it suffered from declining sales as did all expensive cars of the era due to the Great Depression. New models were introduced in 1936, but these were not enough to save the company and it declared bankruptcy.