1928 Pierce-Arrow Model 81 Sedan

As the automotive industry adopted more modern production techniques during the 1920s, Pierce-Arrow faced great pressure. Its low production volume and more traditional, labor-intensive production techniques limited the company's ability to compete in the luxury car segment.

In 1924, Pierce-Arrow responded to these pressures with the Model 80. It was a less complex and somewhat smaller companion model to its Dual Valve Six model line. Over the years that followed, it would receive continuous engineering improvements, including an advanced, four-wheel vacuum-powered brake system by 1927.

In 1928, the Model 80 was renamed the Model 81. Otherwise, changes were minimal. An exterior visual difference was the smaller headlamps and the new emblem, reputedly the Pierce family crest was displayed on Pierce-Arrow radiators for 1928 until Mrs. Percy Pierce correctly pointed out that it was not the actual crest of the George N. Pierce family.

Pierce-Arrow would produce nearly 5,000 examples of the Series 81 for 1928.

This particular example has a wool broadcloth interior with an Art Nouveau floral motif. Its exterior is painted black and it rides on wooden Artillery wheels.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2017