1933 Pierce-Arrow Model 1242 Twelve Convertible Coupe

Pierce-Arrow was founded in Buffalo, New York in 1865 as a diversified manufacturer. The first car was built in 1901, and in 1903, Pierce introduced a bigger car called the Arrow. This led to the Great Arrow with cast aluminum body panels on a 93-inch wheelbase and helped build Pierce's great reputation by winning the first five prestigious Glidden Tours.

Beginning in 1909, Pierce-Arrow became known as the car of Presidents when President Taft used one for official occasions. This practice continued until the last Pierces were ordered in 1935. In 1914, Pierce-Arrow introduced integral fender headlamps as an option which became the most recognized design cue for Pierce-Arrows for the rest of the company's history.

In late 1931, marketing genius Roy Faulker joined Pierce-Arrow. He left Auburn to head the marketing of both the Pierce-Arrow and the Studebaker brands. He left after about a year to head E.L. Cord's namesake car company. Mr. Faulkner introduced a program he named 'Pierce-Arrow Pioneering.' One feature of this program was the addition of outside coachbuilders. LeBaron focused on owner/driver cars while Brunn focused on formal chauffeur-driven models.

The Great Depression greatly affected the sales of luxury cars. Studebaker purchased Pierce-Arrow in 1928 for $5.7 million. Studebaker would then declare bankruptcy in 1933 and Pierce-Arrow was sold to a group of Buffalo, New York businessmen for $1 million. This group began working on ideas to stimulate sales. 1933 would then become a record sales year for Pierce-Arrow.

Pierce-Arrow introduced its first V12 engine in 1932. It created 150 horsepower from its 452 cubic-inch engine. In 1933, a larger 462 cubic-inch version was introduced that created 175 horsepower. The quietness of this engine is often compared to the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. Other features include semi-elliptic leaf springs, ball-bearing shackles, and Stewart Warner power-assisted drum brakes.

This Convertible Coupe was originally purchased in 1933 and the first owner kept it until his death in 1960. It passed through five other individuals until being acquired by the current owner.

This car is believed to be one of three surviving 1242s of the five originally built. It is one of only two with its original engine. This car is believed to have been bodied by LeBaron but it closely follows the design cues of the Derham-bodied convertible coupes of the era. It features a rear-mounted spare tire, which enhances the long, low rakish look of the car. It rides on a 137-inch wheelbase and the odometer reads 73,966 original miles.