1930 Pierce-Arrow Model B Sedan

The low-priced Series 80 helped boost sales of Pierce-Arrow cars to an impressive number of over 5000 vehicles. Even with this boost, the company was financially unstable. Competition from other automakers was continuing to escalate and Pierce-Arrow had to continually introduce new engines and models to remain competitive. This meant the resources available dwindled and eventually led to an alliance with Studebaker. The union seemed appropriate, as Studebaker's president, Albert Russell Erskine, had a long desire with offering a luxury model. For Pierce-Arrow, the marriage between the two companies meant that Studebaker's large cash reserve would help it stay afloat for the years to come. Studebaker supplied the funds to Pierce-Arrow to introduce a new model; one powered by a new eight-cylinder engine.

The engine was a much-needed item for Pierce-Arrow. It featured an L-head design and an overall weight that was a hundred pounds lighter than the T-head six it was replacing. It had 25 percent more power, offering 125 horsepower to the rear wheels.

1929 became the best year for Pierce-Arrow, with 8,000 cars sold. This landmark achievement was met with a cloudy outlook on the future of the economy, as the Great Depression came into effect. The economy was suffering, which meant competition would increase as the pool of potential buyers able to purchase these high-priced luxury automobiles would soon decrease.

In 1930 Pierce introduced the A, B, and C models. The A was the largest and most expensive, while the C was the cheapest of the three. Customers had four wheelbase sizes to select from, including 132, 134, 139, and 144 inches. The Model B could be purchased on two wheelbases, including 139 inches. Three engine sizes were offered by Pierce during 1930, including a 365-6 cubic-inch unit that produced 125 horsepower. This engine could be found in the Model B. The Model A was given a 384.8 cubic-inch engine that produced 132 horsepower. The Model C had a 340 cubic-inch engine and 115 horsepower. Pricing was from the mid-$2600 to just over $8000.

This particular Model B Five-Passenger Sedan was offered for sale at the 2008 Automobiles of Amelia presented by RM Auctions. The estimated value was set at $50,000 - $75,000. It is finished in black paint with white pin striping. The L-head eight-cylinder engine is mated to a three-speed manual gearbox with four-wheel mechanical brakes providing the stopping power. There are dual side-mounted spares and a trunk rack at the rear. The interior features crimson mohair and newly refinished wood trim. The car has traveled a total of 47,791 miles during its lifetime.

It is estimated that a total of 3640 Model B cars were produced in 1930. This example found a buyer willing to part with $88,000 including the buyer's premium.

In 2009, the car was brought to the Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $500,000 - $60,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot was sold for the sum of $44,000, including the buyer's premium.