1916 Pierce-Arrow Model 48 Vestibule Suburban

Pierce-Arrow began production of the fourth series Model 48 in 1916, offering several body styles, including this seven-seater Vestibule Suburban. Identifiable by its arched roofline over the rear doors, the Vestibule Suburban gave passengers the impression of entering a majestic, stately home. It is believed only two examples were built in 1916, partly due to its exorbitant cost of $6,200. The Model 48 was powered by the 525 cubic-inch, six-cylinder engine on the 142-inch wheelbase. In the 1970s, this Model 48 was owned and restored by Delbert Pantel of California and received first in class at the 1977 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It was showcased in The Imperial Palace Auto Collection, Las Vegas, and the Blackhawk Collection, before being acquired by the current owner.

The Vestibule Suburban was both expensive and prestigious, and very few were built. They were built for the wealthy who were seeking a suitable means of transportation from their city to country dwellings. The tall roofline aided entry and exit in a dignified fashion, and the rear doors were curved in a similar guise to a fine manor. The enclosed coachwork provided protection from the elements, a quieter motoring experience, and privacy. Formal accessories complemented the design such as the porch-style opera lamps, window shades, and bud vases. Due to the cost, it is believed that only two examples of the Vestibule Suburban were built on the Model 48-B-4 chassis, and both remain in existence.

This particular example has a history that dates to 1957 when it was in the care of Carl Weschcke. It was later owned by Delbert Pantel of Chico, California, who completed much of the present restoration himself. Mr. Pantel had acquired the automobile in St. Paul, Minn. for $14,000 and at the time it had approximately 31,000 miles on the odometer. It received a first-place award in the Pierce-Arrow category at the Silverado Concorde sic d'Elegance held in Napa, Ca., and later that month it won its class at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Mr. Pantel sold the car to the Imperial Palace Auto Collection in Las Vegas before it entered the care of its present ownership.

This Pierce-Arrow has a burgundy cloth interior.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2022