1932 Pierce-Arrow Model 54 Convertible Sedan

1932 was a big year for the Pierce-Arrow Company as new body styles were adopted across the range. The list of changes included rakish windscreens and fender-mounted headlamps.

This Convertible Sedan Model 54 is painted in soft yellow with butterscotch trim. There is a black interior, a 316 cubic-inch L-head eight-cylinder engine, and a four-speed selective sliding manual gearbox. There is the proper Delco-Remy distributor, Edison spark plugs, and the Bendix Startix automatic starter, which had been added to the Pierce-Arrow line in 1932. There are dual side-mount spares and a rear-mounted trunk. The car rides on 18-inch Budd steel artillery wheels with Pierce 8 hubcaps. The hood emblem is the archer mascot with the W.N. Schnell name imprinted on the base.

Inside, there is a lever for the freewheeling ride control and one for the ride-control shock absorbers. The rear compartment is spacious and comfortable with armrests and ashtrays.

In 2009, this Model 54 was brought to the Gooding & Company auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona where it was offered without reserve and estimated to sell for $70,000 - $90,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $77,000 including the buyer's premium.

Later in the year, it was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $125,000 - $150,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $126,500, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2010