1933 Pierce-Arrow Model 1247 LWB Convertible Sedan

Pierce-Arrow responded to the multi-cylinder challenge issued by Cadillac in 1930 with the introduction of two new V-12 models for 1932. The 80-degree L-head V-12 engine had cast iron blocks and aluminum heads.

For 1933, Pierce-Arrow increased power and displacements for the re-designated 1242 and 1247 models. Among the list of available body styles were the factory-cataloged 'semi-custom' creations by LeBaron. It is believed that at least seven examples of the LeBaron convertible sedan were produced on the 1247 chassis in 1933, of which four remain in existence.

It is believed that the original owner of this car was Charles M. Schwab of Bethlehem Steel fame. The earliest known owner was Thomas C. Berard of Etters, Pennsylvania, after which it moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where it had several owners through the 1970s. The car eventually crossed the country and spent time on the West Coast where it was part of the California collections of Irving Davis and Leonard Urlik. Mr. Urlik displayed the car for exhibition at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 1993.

The current caretaker acquired the car from Don Connolly of California in 2015. It wears an older restoration which has been well maintained. It is finished in black livery, striped in cream, and accented by a brown leather interior and tan canvas top. The engine is believed to be original to the car. It has the original factory free-wheeling feature on the transmission, the correct accessories, and the Pierce 'archer' mascot.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2018