1932 Pierce-Arrow Model 53 Convertible Coupe Roadster

In the intervening years between World War I and World War II, there would be a handful of luxury automobile makers in the United States. There would be the Duesenbergs, and then Cadillac. However, it would be hard not to have the three 'P's come to mind first. One of those three would be headquartered in Buffalo, New York—Pierce-Arrow.

Pierce-Arrows' fame would actually begin in the years before the Great War. In the early part of the 20th century, George Norman Pierce would earn a number of endurance race victories at the wheel of the Great Arrow. Known for performance and reliability, Pierce's four-cylinder automobile would win the Glidden Trophy in 1905 and would lead to a new factory complex being built for production the following year.

Just three years later, Pierce would be dead and the company was renamed The Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company. Prior, Pierce's automobiles had earned a solid reputation for performance and reliability. However, luxury would also be a part of the company's canon and this would lead to presidential limousines and other estate vehicles being built by the company.

In the late-1920s, Studebaker would come to control Pierce-Arrow. Beginning in 1928, the Studebaker and Pierce-Arrow union would prove to be a rather short partnership with Pierce-Arrow benefiting perhaps the most as a result of Studebaker's dealer network.

During that time, Pierce-Arrow would introduce a new engine. Gone would be the six-cylinder that had made the company famous. Instead, the company would introduce an L-head straight-eight and 12-cylinder engine.

Given the somewhat ostentatious history of Pierce-Arrow automobiles, it was not inconceivable the company would advertise its automobiles in much the same way. They had a new design they wanted to debut to the public. What better way was there to prove performance could look good than by hiring the famed Ab Jenkins to power one of these new models down the salt flats at Bonneville.

The publicity stunt would consist of several tests. Driving a specially-prepared 1932 Model 53 Roadster, Jenkins would drive for 24 hours averaging nearly 113mph. Captured in a documentary film, the Model 53 Roadster can be seen streaking over the salt at some truly impressive speeds for a luxury automobile.

Chassis 2050118 would be produced in 1932 and would be identical to the one Jenkins would use in his efforts. Being identical to Jenkins' example means this particular chassis is one of only six short-wheelbase Model 53 Convertible Roadsters ever to be produced by Pierce-Arrow. But what makes 0118 of particular note is the fact that only three of those six are known to still exist.

The car's known history extends back to the 1960s when Wally Rank owned the car and had it as part of his collection. He would, however, sell it to another collector Al Freddendahl. Freddendahl would hold onto the Pierce-Arrow until 1979 when an east coast collector came along and purchased the car. Tom Welch of Ohio would purchase the car in 1991 but would turn back around and sold it to the previous owner in 1997.

A most attractive example of the Classic Era Pierce-Arrows, this 1932 Pierce-Arrow Model 53 Convertible Roadster is no mere Pierce-Arrow. Among the rarest of the rare, this car is an exquisite piece of automotive design. Touched with elements of chrome and finished in silver with black and red pinstriping, the car sports a splendid contrast that draws the eyes to itself. It is a true Pierce-Arrow.

A highlight of the 2014 Hershey auction hosted by RM Auctions, the Pierce-Arrow roadster would be a highly-anticipated part of the auction lineup. Pre-auction estimates valued the car between $275,000 and $375,000. However, when the car made its appearance the excitement would turn into spirited bidding with a sale price of $407,000 being realized.

By Jeremy McMullen