1927 Pierce-Arrow Model 80

History

The Pierce-Arrow Company has a history that dates back to the dawn of the motor car and quickly evolved into one of the top producers of luxury and sophisticated automobiles. They worked closely with their Buffalo, New York neighbor Aluminum Company of America to perfect casting techniques that produced cast aluminum body panels as thin as 1/8 inch. The result was a strong material that was very lightweight.

The design of the Pierce-Arrows was performed in-house by the talented Herbert Dawley. He patented the design where the headlights faired into the tops of the front fenders, a feature that would become a hallmark for the Pierce-Arrow Company.

Through craftsmanship, style, and innovation, the Pierce-Arrow Company continued to lead the industry for many years. That all changed by the late 1920s as Pierce-Arrow was being outpaced by their competition. By this time, more modern production methods were making it easier for other marque's to provide a product at a cost that was difficult for Pierce-Arrow to compete. Within a few years, Pierce-Arrow re-solidified itself as a prominent company through new engineering advances, a broad model lineup, and marketing techniques.

The Model 80 was first shown in 1924 and by 1927 it was offered with four-wheel vacuum-powered brakes. The fuel gauge was located on the gas tank while the temperature gauge was mounted on the dashboard.

Production of the Model 80 lasted until 1927. It was an entry-level vehicle aimed at attracting a wide audience of buyers who could afford this milder-priced vehicle. It was priced between $2,400 to $4,000 less than the larger and more stately Series 36. It was a car that was not intended to be chauffeur-driven. By 1926 sales had risen to 7,500 units for the Series 80. However, the following year sales declined dramatically and the Series 80 was dropped.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2008