1912 Pierce-Arrow Model 66 Touring

David Fergusson, a British-born engineer of Scots ancestry, was the individual responsible for the early work of the Pierce automobiles. He joined Pierce in 1901 working with the company to design the Motorette and Arrow models. He became the company's Chief Engineer in 1905. That same year, he toured Europe with manufacturing vice-president Henry May, visiting many of the British and Continental automobile factories where they studied design trends and manufacturing methods. What they noticed was a trend where cars were being given larger six-cylinder engines. Pierce would follow in this movement by offering larger six-cylinder engines for the next fifteen years.

Fergusson was the man responsible for the mechanical workings of the 'Big Pierces,' however, it was Herbert Dawley who was responsible for their appearances. Dawley had been the winner of a design contest in April of 1905, put on by the Pierce Company. They were seeking new design ideas and searching for aspiring artists and designers who could create designs for open and limousine bodies. Another aspect of the contest was to marry interesting color combinations that were appealing and modern. The winner was Dawley, who was immediately offered a position with the company.

Dawley would re-design the Pierce body using the hexagon shape as his bases for many future designs. The hexagon design was applied to the hub caps, interior appointments, and the cross-section of handles.

The Pierce Company's first six-cylinder car was the Model 65-Q, introduced in 1907. The engine was of T-head configuration, similar to the four cylinders that preceded it. The six-cylinder unit displaced 548 cubic inches and was more than capable of carrying the larger coachwork that adorned the vehicles. The wheelbases now measured 135 inches, nearly a foot longer than the larger four-cylinder model. The Model 65-Q weighed around 4,000 pounds and there are around 100 examples built. It was not a resounding success as the four-cylinder models saw sales reach around 900 units.

In 1908, Pierce added a smaller 40-horsepower six. By 1909, Pierce was no longer producing four-cylinder engines and had switched completely to six-cylinder units. The following year, there were three sixes, the 36-UU, the 48-SS, and the 66-QQ. The model numbers were derived from the horsepower produced by the engine, which was calculated solely from the bore and number of cylinders.

This Pierce-Arrow was assembled by Howard Lane of Massachusetts utilizing a correct original 66-QQ engine that had been acquired by Henry Austin Clark Jr. Early owners include George Dickinson of Gloucester, Massachusetts, and Fred P. Bagley of Boston, both in the 1910s. It is believed that Mr. Dickinson may have been the original owner. Local craftsman built the frame to the correct specification and fitted axles from a Model 48, with the front axle appropriately widened to fit the new 66 frame. At this stage, the project passed to Richard Pettingell of Ellenville, New York. Mr. Pettingell fitted the car with the current body, a five-passenger tourer in the pattern of the original 66-QQ coachwork.

This particular Pierce-Arrow Model 66 is well-equipped and constructed on a lengthened Model 48 chassis. It has a 66 horsepower engine and the body is fitted with period-correct fenders, aprons, hood, top, and ancillary items including windshield, coil box, glove boxes, and rear-mounted toolbox. There is a 12-volt electrical system, including an alternator and starter motor - features that make this more suitable for modern driving. The brakes have been converted to four-wheel hydraulic discs to improve safety. Period brass accessories include head and tail lamps, Warner Auto Meter with clock, Pierce cowl lamps, and Klaxon horn.

This car was once in the collection of Massachusetts collector Howard Fafard, who entered it in the Portland-to-Portland tour. The tour covered 3,500 miles and traversed from Portland, Main to Portland, Oregon. The route went through Canada, including Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, and Winnipeg.

This car was painted white and has tan leather upholstery. The undercarriage is dark blue. There are wooden artillery wheels and a wood steering wheel. More recently, it was given a thorough cosmetic restoration, with the bodywork improved for fit and finish, and painted two subtle shades of maroon, with varnished wood wheels, tan leather upholstery, and a tan cloth top. Brass trim includes the radiator, jewel-lensed headlamps, and windshield frame. There are Pierce cowl lamps, a klaxon horn, and Warner Auto-Meter with a clock.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2009