1929 Pierce-Arrow Model 125 Brougham

Pierce-Arrow introduced the lower-priced Series 80 models to help render their poor financial health. Sadly, it did not provide the financial assistance they were seeking. A new plan was needed; more specifically, new models were required. With little money available for development, the short-term solution was an alliance with the Studebaker Company, which was cash-rich at the time. Though it was called a 'merger', the resulting deal was actually more of an acquisition of Pierce-Arrow by Studebaker. Studebaker provided the necessary funds Pierce-Arrow was seeking and enabled the development of a new eight-cylinder engine.

The new engine had an L-head design and weighed 100 pounds less than the big T-head six it replaced. It was rated at 125 brake horsepower and offered 25 percent more power from a 12 percent smaller displacement.

The new Model 133, named for its wheelbase, started at $2,775. It was available in no fewer than 12 body styles and contributed to record 1929 sales levels of 8,000 units, an accomplishment that would sadly never be repeated.

This 1929 Pierce-Arrow Model 133 Club Brougham has a well-known history from the Pierce-Arrow Society. It is one of six known examples within the 2001 Pierce-Arrow Register. All of its mechanical, electrical, and chassis components were rebuilt between 1989 and 2006. It has a recent exterior finish and is fitted with many desirable features including dual side-mounted spare tires with original Pierce-Arrow mirrors, wire wheels with new snap rings, a luggage rack, and a body-colored trunk.

In 2009, this example was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $50,000 - $60,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot failed to sell after reaching a high bid of $37,500.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2009