1913 Pierce-Arrow Model 66-A

The Pierce-Arrow Model 66 was introduced in 1910 and its name was in reference to its rated horsepower from its behemoth power plant with 714 cubic inch displacement. In 1913, displacement grew to 824.7 cubic inches and although the new model delivered nearly 100 more horsepower, Pierce-Arrow decided to keep the Model 66 designation. The Model 66 entered the Guinness Book of World Records with the distinction of having the largest engine ever fitted to a passenger vehicle. The luxurious coachwork, potent powerplant, elegant body designs, and lightweight 1/8 inch cast aluminum body panels made them the chosen mode of transport for the rich and famous, including President Woodrow Wilson who remained in the White House from 1913 through 1921. They were the grandest, largest, and most potent automobiles produced by a manufacturer during its time.

Approximately 1,250 examples of the Model 66 were built between 1910 and 1918.

The six-cylinder engine had a T-head configuration, a single updraft carburetor, and its cylinder block cast-in-pairs and secured to an aluminum crankcase. It had a four-speed transmission and the wheelbase measured 140 inches. The aluminum body panels were cast in Pierce's own factory.

In 1914, the headlights were moved from the traditional placement at the radiator's sides, into flared housings molded into the front fenders of the car. Pierce patented this placement, which endured until the final model of 1938. Most Pierce-Arrow vehicles received this styling feature, but the company offered customers the option of conventional headlamps, and a few customers selected this design feature.

An electric starter was added in 1914 and a pressurized fuel delivery system appeared in 1915. It used an engine-operated air pump to pressurize the tank.

The Series 4 version of the Model 66 was introduced in 1916 and it would remain in production through 1918.

Pierce-Arrow's 1913 model lineup included the Model 38C, the Model 48B, and the Model 66A. All three were equipped with six-cylinder engines with the Model 38C delivering approximately 38 horsepower, the Model 48B at 48 horsepower, and the Model 66A at 140 horsepower. The Model 38C had a 132-inch wheelbase, the Model 48B measured 142 inches, and the 66-A had a 147.5-inch wheelbase. The Model 38-C was priced from $4,300 to $5,200, the Model 48-B from $4,800 to $6,300, and the 66-A from $5,850 to $7,300.

The runabout and the four- and five-passenger tourer were priced at $5,850. The seven-passenger tourer listed at $6,000, and the brougham, landaulet, suburban, and landau listed at $7,100. The Vestibule Suburban and Vestibule Landau were priced at $7,300.

Pierce-Arrow would rely on six-cylinder power for many years, much longer than most other luxury marques. An eight-cylinder powerplant arrived as part of the Pierce-Arrow lineup as the 1920s came to a close and would be joined by a twelve-cylinder model in the early 1930s as the so-called 'cylinder wars' dramatically escalated. With sales slowing due to the Great Depression and increased competition throughout the industry, Pierce-Arrow was forced to declare insolvency in 1938 and closed its doors. Just like holding onto its six-cylinder line far longer than it probably should have, the company stubbornly refused to field a lower-priced car to provide the necessary cash flow. Unwavering to compromise, Pierce's remaining assets were sold at auction on Friday, May 13th of 1938.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2022