1904 Pierce-Arrow 8HP Motorette Runabout

The list of collectors who have owned this 1904 Pierce includes James Melton, Atwater Kent Jr., and the Pennsylvania State Museum. In 1996, it was acquired at auction by Mr. C.H. Brown of Sussex, U.K. Years later, the Motorette received a recommissioning enabling Mr. Brown to campaign it on the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

Some discrepancy exists as to whether this Motorette is a 1903 or 1904 model. It is, however, officially titled and dated by the Veteran Car Club of Britain as a 1904 model and has its Certificate of Date (Number 2264), issued in 1999. Since receiving its certification, it successfully completed the London-Brighton run seven times, between 2003-2005 and 2007-2010.

More recently, the Pierce Motorette has been maintained by a U.S.-based car collector.

This Motorette has a wood body that is in good overall condition, finished in dark green with cream stripes and black metal mudguards. The original cast step plates are intact, and the seat upholstery remains in good condition. Period accessories include a Gray & Davis tail lamp, and dual Gray & Davis carriage lamps.

This Pierce is one of 600 Motorettes produced from 1901 through 1905 and approximately 35 examples are known to exist.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2021