1912 Peerless Model 36 Touring

This 1912 Peerless Model 36-Six 48 Horsepower Seven-Passenger Tourer was offered for sale at the 2007 Sports and Classic Car Auction presented by The Worldwide Group, in Hilton Head Island, SC where its estimated value was available upon request. Bidding reached the multi-hundred thousand dollar range but was not enough to satisfy the vehicle's reserve. It was left unsold, which was sad as this was the highlight of the auction and the vehicle most everyone had come to see find a new owner. Bidding was enthusiastic with multiple parties making bids, just not enough to purchase the vehicle.

This vehicle was once in the possession of Mr. Barney Pollard, a legendary collector who had a vast collection of exquisite cars. It was featured in the Automobile Quarterly article on Peerless by Maurice D. Hendry in 1937. It was restored sometime in the 1960s and again at a later point in history.

This vehicle, as with many other Peerless automobiles, has cast aluminum body panels. It has the highly desirable electric starter and correct Gary & Davis electric headlights and sidelights. It is upholstered in maroon leather with a black cloth top and leatherette top boot. There are swivel-mounted jump seats in the rear which affords additional passenger room, bringing the total to seven.

In 2008, this Model 36 Peerless was brought to Monterey, California where it was offered for sale by RM Auctions as part of their 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' auction. It carried an estimated value of $600,000 - $700,000 and was offered without reserve. A high bid of just $368,500 including the buyer's premium was enough to secure new ownership. The lot was sold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2009