1911 Pierce-Arrow Model 66A Runabout

The Model 66 was Pierce-Arrow's largest model and among the largest ever produced in America. Power was from a T-head 6-cylinder unit displacing 824.7 cubic inches, the largest engine ever installed in an American production car. It rode on 27-inch wheels wrapped in 37-inch tires.

This particular example is a two-passenger runabout, and considering its minimalistic coachwork for its massive engine, would have made it among the fastest on the roads during that era. The current owner acquired it from Bruce Zillner in 2008, as a project. A full restoration soon followed. The engine, a 66-A-4 passenger car unit and all related components are either original Pierce 66 or 48 parts, with the exception of an upgraded Schebler carburetor and a 12-volt electrical system with an alternator affixed underneath the original Westinghouse starter. The work included rebuilding the engine, with a bored cylinder, new forged pistons, and a modern driveshaft. All components were properly restored, a 2.5:1 differential gear set was installed, and the transmission was fitted with all new gears. The new, correct 66-specification chassis, made by Michael Paul, was outfitted with correct Hartford friction shock absorbers and new artillery wheels, shod in 37-inch tires. Upgrades include hydraulic brakes to ensure safe drivability on modern roads.

The bodywork was created using the correct Pierce cast aluminum construction of the period, in a two-seater runabout style, finished in grey and burgundy, with burgundy leather bucket seats and a charcoal top. Accessories include the Rushmore headlamps, Pierce Solar 935C side lamps, a Dragon 812 bulb horn, Warner Auto-Meter combination speedometer and clock, and a correct taillight and license plate illuminator, which has been wired to function as a brake light for tours.

After the restoration, the car was used on several tours including two that covered over 400 miles each.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2019