1904 Pierce-Arrow 15 HP Motorcar Touring

In 1904, the first four-cylinder car to wear the Pierce nameplate was called the Great Arrow. The Pierce-Arrow of 1903 was available with either a 1-cylinder engine that offered either 5- or 6.5-horsepower, or a 2-cylinder engine that boosted power to 15 horsepower. The 1904 Great Arrow had a four-cylinder engine that offered about 24 horsepower, greatly increasing the power from the prior year, and allowing even more elegant coachwork to be fitted.

The total production of the Arrows from 1903-1904 was around 125. There are only two that remain in modern times. This example, a 15 Horsepower Motorcar, was restored from an engine and chassis obtained by Harrah's in 1963. In the 1980s, it was purchased by Rodney Flournoy who stored the car until 2001, when purchased by its current owner. While in their care, the car was treated to a professional five-year restoration, resulting in a new completely fabricated body.

In 2006, this Motorcar was shown at the Kirkland Concours d'Elegance where it won First in Antique Class. In 2008, this George N. Pierce & Co. Arrow was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company Auction held in Pebble Beach, California. It was estimated to sell for $175,000 - $225,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for $165,000, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2009