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 Dan Vaughan

Touring
Chassis number: 66667
Engine number: 66667

The 825 cubic inch six-cylinder in the Pierce-Arrow '66' is the largest stock engine ever designed for a passenger car. It could surpass 80 miles per hour and still get 9.20 miles per gallon. The body is constructed of 1/8 inch cast aluminum. The running board toolboxes are a rare factory option and incorporate a folding step for access. 1,250 Model 66s were built between 1910 and 1918 and just 14 of these cars are known to exist.

This Pierce-Arrow 66 is very similar to the one used by President Woodrow Wilson from 1913 to 1921. The car he used was a Model A4-66. Wilson left office in a 1921 Packard. Wilson was also the first President to join the AAA and displayed the auto club symbol proudly on his Pierce-Arrow.

This Pierce-Arrow is believed to have been delivered in Chicago with a seven-passenger touring body identical to what it wears today. In the early 1920s, it was acquired by the Minneapolis Fire Department which was seeking a used high-horsepower automobile that they could convert for fire-fighting uses. Between 1920 and 1924, the department purchased about 40 cars, with the majority being Pierce-Arrows.

This Pierce-Arrow served various purposes, including as 'Chief's Limousine.' It was rebuilt, following a 1927 accident involving another fire truck, with an incorrect radiator and standardized front fenders. It was eventually retired in 1948 and sold to another, smaller Minnesota fire department, where it served until the late 1950s. A radio station named KICD in Spencer, Iowa purchased it next and used it as a promotional vehicle. It was later donated to the Sioux City Shriners. At the time, it was not in running order. The next owner was Irving Jensen who restored it and then allowed the Shriners to use it as a parade vehicle for the next 10 years.

The restoration included the recreation of the original cast aluminum coachwork from the cowl back. It was given new front and rear fenders and hood, new upholstery, top, side curtains, top boot, and rugs.

Mr. Jensen brought the car to several events including the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, an AACA meet in Wisconsin, and the Pierce-Arrow Society's National Meet in Minneapolis.

The current caretaker purchased the car in the early 2000s.

This car has been on over a dozen long-distance tours, including a 2014 tour in Michigan that saw it driven over 1,200 miles.

by Dan Vaughan

Touring
Chassis number: 66606

The Pierce-Arrow Model 66 holds a unique record: this Brass Era vehicle is powered by the largest engine ever put in a production car. Upon its introduction in 1910, the model's massive six-cylinder engine had a bore and stroke displacing 714 cubic inches, and by 1913, displacement had increased to 825 cubic inches (as in this example) - more than double the size of many competitors. Moreover, its power was matched by its torque and braking abilities; it was a true performance car. By comparison, Ettore Bugatti's Classic Era masterwork, the behemoth Bugatti Type 41 Royale with its 12.7-liter engine, displaced 778 cubic inches.

The Pierce-Arrow Model 66 was one of the pinnacles of American design and craftsmanship of the early Twentieth century. Just like all Pierce Arrows since 1910, they were powered by a six-cylinder engine. Originally they had a bore of 5.25 inches and a stroke of 5.5 inches giving it 714 cubic inches of displacement. By 1913 it had grown to have a bore of 5 inches and a stroke of 7 inches. The engine displaced 825 cubic inches and was double the size of many of its competitors. At 1600 RPM's, the engine was capable of producing 60 horsepower. This means the Type 66 was not only an elegant automobile, but it was also a very fast machine. It is believed that the Type 66 had the largest displacement engine ever to power a production automobile. It had 44 more cubic inches than the Bugatti Type 41 Royale. With an engine of this magnitude, it consumed lots of fuel. The miles-per-gallon was around 8.5, meaning the 36-gallon fuel tank was good for nearly 300 miles. This often posed problems for the drivers, as gas stations were not always readily available.

Pierce-Arrow placed this mammoth engine in a chassis that measured 147.5 inches. It was a suitable platform for many coachbuilders to work their trade. Pierce-Arrow was among the first to use cast aluminum panels in their bodywork, reducing the overall weight of the vehicle while maintaining a high degree of structural rigidity and strength.

In 1914 an electric starter was added. A pressurized fuel delivery system using an engine-operated air pump to pressurize the tank appeared in 1915.

In 1916 Pierce-Arrow introduced their final iteration of the Model 66, the Series 4. This would remain in production until 1918.

From 1910 through 1918, there were 1250 examples of the Model 66 produced. It is believed that around fourteen have survived in modern times and only seven are the Model 66 A-4 series.

by Dan Vaughan