1936 Pierce-Arrow Deluxe 8

In 1924, Pierce-Arrow introduced the Model 80. It was a smaller model than the traditional Pierce-Arrow and was meant to appeal to a wider audience. It was less complex and easier to produce, meaning it ventured away from Pierce-Arrow's traditional methods of construction, which were time and labor-intensive. As such, their production costs were high and they had low production volume. The Model 80 was intended to change this and increase the number of Pierce-Arrow models sold.

The Model 80, though relatively popular due to its low price, did not give the company the financial stability it was seeking. Clearly, a new solution was needed. New models were critical, but without the financial capability, Pierce-Arrow was unable to develop these new cars. A short-term solution was an alliance with cash-rich Studebaker whose president, Albert Erskine, was seeking to offer his customers a true luxury model. It was officially dubbed a 'merger,' it was more of an acquisition of Pierce-Arrow by Studebaker. Studebaker did provide the required funds for a new Pierce-Arrow model and allowed for the development of a new eight-cylinder engine.

In 1929, the new engine was introduced. It weighed 100 pounds less than the big T-head six it was replacing and was rated at 125 horsepower. This new engine was 25 percent more power from a 12 percent smaller displacement.

The new engine and models helped Pierce-Arrow achieve record sales levels of 10,000 units for 1929, an accomplishment that was never to be repeated. By 1933, the company was again in financial trouble and found itself floundering into receivership. It was acquired by a group of Buffalo-based bankers and businessmen who returned the marque to independent status.

Soon, the company was introducing new engineering advancements, such as the first use of hydraulic valve tappets and their memorable Silver Arrow model. As the Great Depression continued, however, the company's production would continue to decline. In 1935, only 137 Pierce-Arrows were built, followed by 787 examples in 1936. By March 1938, after building just 17 cars, production finally ceased.

Deluxe Eight
The 1936 Deluxe 8 was available in two wheelbase sizes of 139 and 144 inches, and in a total of 9 body styles. Power was from an eight-cylinder engine displacing 385 cubic inches and producing 150 horsepower. The transmission was a three-speed manual unit with overdrive and freewheeling. Four-wheel vacuum-assisted mechanical drums provided the stopping power.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2009