1924 Pierce-Arrow Series 33

The Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company of Buffalo, New York was among the most respected and renowned automakers in America for over three decades and produced some of the grandest luxury cars of the era. The company had humble beginnings, beginning as a builder of bird cages and household problems, turning to bicycles and then to automobiles shortly after the turn of the 20th century. Among their many accolades, a Pierce-Arrow was the first automobile to be used by the White House, during the William Howard Taft administration in 1909. They pioneered power braking and were among the first to experiment in light alloy construction, streamlining, and power steering and were the first to install hydraulic tappets. Their patented headlight-in-fender treatment was one of the most recognizable and distinguishable features of the early automobile. Despite all of their mechanical marvels, luxurious accouterments, and stylish creations, the company's demise was due to its refusal to compromise on its luxury product. During the Great Depression, the company struggled and ultimately closed its doors in 1938.

While Peerless and Packard, the other two respected 'P's' of the 'three P's, introduced a V-8 and V-12, respectively, in 1916, Pierce-Arrow remained steadfast to its inline six-cylinder power through 1927.

Production of the Series 33 lasted from 1921 through 1926 and was the company's first model with left-hand drive The Series 33 was powered by a 414.7 cubic-inch, inline monobloc six-cylinder engine that used four valves per cylinder, two spark plugs per cylinder, and aluminum pistons. The T-head engine produced 70 horsepower and was backed by a three-speed manual transmission. The 138-inch wheelbase chassis was suspended by a solid front and semi-floating rear axle with a semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension. The Series 33 were regarded for its flexibility, excellent road manners, steering ease, and power.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2021