1913 Pierce-Arrow Model 66-A Touring

The 825 cubic inch six-cylinder in the Pierce-Arrow '66' is the largest stock engine ever designed for a passenger car. It could surpass 80 miles per hour and still get 9.20 miles per gallon. The body is constructed of 1/8 inch cast aluminum. The running board toolboxes are a rare factory option and incorporate a folding step for access. 1,250 Model 66s were built between 1910 and 1918 and just 14 of these cars are known to exist.

This Pierce-Arrow 66 is very similar to the one used by President Woodrow Wilson from 1913 to 1921. The car he used was a Model A4-66. Wilson left office in a 1921 Packard. Wilson was also the first President to join the AAA and displayed the auto club symbol proudly on his Pierce-Arrow.

This Pierce-Arrow is believed to have been delivered in Chicago with a seven-passenger touring body identical to what it wears today. In the early 1920s, it was acquired by the Minneapolis Fire Department which was seeking a used high-horsepower automobile that they could convert for fire-fighting uses. Between 1920 and 1924, the department purchased about 40 cars, with the majority being Pierce-Arrows.

This Pierce-Arrow served various purposes, including as 'Chief's Limousine.' It was rebuilt, following a 1927 accident involving another fire truck, with an incorrect radiator and standardized front fenders. It was eventually retired in 1948 and sold to another, smaller Minnesota fire department, where it served until the late 1950s. A radio station named KICD in Spencer, Iowa purchased it next and used it as a promotional vehicle. It was later donated to the Sioux City Shriners. At the time, it was not in running order. The next owner was Irving Jensen who restored it and then allowed the Shriners to use it as a parade vehicle for the next 10 years.

The restoration included the recreation of the original cast aluminum coachwork from the cowl back. It was given new front and rear fenders and hood, new upholstery, top, side curtains, top boot, and rugs.

Mr. Jensen brought the car to several events including the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, an AACA meet in Wisconsin, and the Pierce-Arrow Society's National Meet in Minneapolis.

The current caretaker purchased the car in the early 2000s.

This car has been on over a dozen long-distance tours, including a 2014 tour in Michigan that saw it driven over 1,200 miles.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2015