1934 Pierce-Arrow Model 840A

George N. Pierce founded a successful bicycle company that evolved into a producer of automobiles. The Pierce-Arrow Company built a reputation based on style, quality, and impressive performance. The Great Arrow of the early teens showed the world what the company was capable of producing. Their legacy continued with the Models 36, 48, and the Model 66.

By the close of the 1920s, the Pierce-Arrow was struggling. Stiff competition was all around and the escalating cylinder wars meant that companies were in need of continuous mechanical improvement. The onset of the Great Depression meant that the list of clientele was dwindling and competition became even greater. Upright and traditional designs quickly gave way to modern, aerodynamic, and streamlined styling.

In 1928, a stock swap left Albert R. Erskine in control of the Pierce-Arrow Company. Mr. Erskine was the president of Studebaker. He quickly introduced an eight-cylinder engine along with multiple new bodies and a host of features. This, coupled with lower prices, gave Pierce its best year ever with 9,700 examples produced.

Legendary driver Ab Jenkins highlighted the Pierce-Arrow's capabilities by setting 79 records at the Bonneville salt flats.
The Silver Arrow, designed by Phil Wright, debuted at the 1933 New York and Chicago Auto Shows. The vehicle had but one flaw, and that was its sticker price, costing a hefty $10,000. In total there were only five examples ever constructed. The following year a similar car was added to the model line-up.

The 840A used a 385 CID straight-eight engine mounted in a 139 or 144-inch wheelbase chassis. Ten body styles were available ranging in price from $2795 to $4995. Although a rocky year for the company, the 1934 Pierce-Arrows started a new era at the company. The traditional style of earlier Pierce-Arrows was replaced with more modern rounded designs.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2019