1903 Pierce Arrow Stanhope Stanhope

Like many other manufacturers of the time, the George N. Pierce Company built bicycles during their early years before ascending to the ranking as one of the most prestigious automobiles of its time. They also built birdcages, iceboxes, and even bathtubs.

One of the individuals behind the drive to manufacture automobiles was the company's treasurer, Charles Clifton. Watching the developments in Europe, he recommended the DeDion engine, which would be used in Pierce's first gasoline-powered conveyance. However, it was British-born engineer David Fergusson who contributed most to the new Pierce car, the Motorette, which entered production near the close of 1901. A few years later, in 1903, Pierce replaced the De Dion engine in the Motorette with one of their own manufacturers. Introduced mid-year, the company introduced the Stanhope. It was similar to the Motorette but with additional room for two passengers. The seating was located ahead of the main bench seat, with a folding cover opening to serve as a backrest and the fascia board dropping forward as a footrest. In 1903, Pierce produced less than 150 examples of the Fourth Model Stanhopes.

This particular example was acquired by the current owner's father, Fred Weber, in 1948. At the time of purchase, it was in a rather poor condition. He soon took the car back to his ranch in California, where he started the process of repairing the vehicle where needed. He made new wheels, repaired the cracks in the body, and repainted the car black. The upholstery was also redone, save for the back of the folding seat, which remains original from 1903.

The car came into the care of its current owner in 1964. It was then stored away in a barn at the ranch and later moved to a commercial storage facility. In 2009, the owner decided to get the Stanhope running once more. The engine was completely rebuilt, new tires fitted, and a few pieces were also re-plated.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2015