1904 Pierce-Arrow 8HP Motorette Runabout

The Pierce Motorette was introduced in 1903 and earned the distinction of being the first production automobile from the Buffalo, New York-based brand to feature an engine of the company's own manufacture. Pierce had previously built rolling chassis and installed DeDion-Bouton engines.

The 8M Motorettes wore Stanhope-style coachwork with a foldout seat for two occupants in the front section of the vehicle.

This particular 1904 Motorette was acquired by Jerry S. Foley III of Jacksonville, Florida, in March 1953. He restored the car later that year and finished the exterior in dark brick red with gold striping. He later sold the Pierce to Arthur Watson of New Canaan, Connecticut, and it subsequently joined The William Alley Collection in 2013.

While in the care of Mr. Alley, the car was sent to G & G Restorations of Proctorsville, Vermont for light mechanical restorative work.

This 1904 Pierce is powered by a 97 cubic-inch single-cylinder engine with a single Schebler carburetor and eight horsepower. There is a two-speed manual gearbox, rear external-contracting drum brakes, a solid front and live rear axle, and fully-elliptical leaf springs.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2025