1933 Pierce-Arrow Model 1247

Pierce-Arrow offered four series during the 1933 model year - the straight-eight Model 836 and the V12-powered Models 1236, 1242, and 1247. Pierce-Arrow's most prestigious chassis was the 147-inch wheelbase Model 1247 powered by the 80-degree L-head V12 engine with cast iron blocks and aluminum heads. It had a reputation for its power, reliability, and smoothness - along with its success powering record-setters on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Ab Jenkins drove a V-12 roadster to a 24-hour average speed of 112.91 mph, repeatedly raising the mark to an ultimate 127 mph by 1934.

The Model 1247 was available on both a 142- and 147-inch platform. Fifteen catalog body styles were available including nine on the large 147-inch platform. The 462 cubic-inch, 80-degree, L-head V-12 engine powering the Model 1247 used dual downdraft carburetors, a cast-iron block, and aluminum heads, developing 175 horsepower at 3,400 PRM. The engine was backed by a three-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh, braking by four-wheel servo-assisted Mechanical drums, and a suspension comprised of live axles, semi-elliptic leaf springs, and shock absorbers. Prices on the Model 1247 ranged from the low $4,000s to over $7,000.

The Model 1247 was renowned for its smooth, reliable, and powerful engine with horsepower figures that exceeded most other manufacturers, with the exception of Duesenberg. Despite Pierce-Arrows' prominent placement within the White House vehicle fleet, the Model 1247 remained a very exclusive automobile, with production limited to the most discerning and capable buyer.

by Dan Vaughan

LWB Convertible Sedan by LeBaron
Chassis number: 3550092
Engine number: 355184

Pierce-Arrow responded to the multi-cylinder challenge issued by Cadillac in 1930 with the introduction of two new V-12 models for 1932. The 80-degree L-head V-12 engine had cast iron blocks and aluminum heads.

For 1933, Pierce-Arrow increased power and displacements for the re-designated 1242 and 1247 models. Among the list of available body styles were the factory-cataloged 'semi-custom' creations by LeBaron. It is believed that at least seven examples of the LeBaron convertible sedan were produced on the 1247 chassis in 1933, of which four remain in existence.

It is believed that the original owner of this car was Charles M. Schwab of Bethlehem Steel fame. The earliest known owner was Thomas C. Berard of Etters, Pennsylvania, after which it moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where it had several owners through the 1970s. The car eventually crossed the country and spent time on the West Coast where it was part of the California collections of Irving Davis and Leonard Urlik. Mr. Urlik displayed the car for exhibition at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 1993.

The current caretaker acquired the car from Don Connolly of California in 2015. It wears an older restoration which has been well maintained. It is finished in black livery, striped in cream, and accented by a brown leather interior and tan canvas top. The engine is believed to be original to the car. It has the original factory free-wheeling feature on the transmission, the correct accessories, and the Pierce 'archer' mascot.

by Dan Vaughan

LWB Convertible Sedan by LeBaron
Chassis number: 3550040
Engine number: 355074

This Model 1247 Convertible Sedan is one of just four such examples produced by Pierce-Arrow in 1933. It has a long-wheelbase platform and coachwork by LeBaron.

For many years, this vehicle has resided in the Garganigo Brothers' Antique Auto Museum in Princeton, Massachusetts. It was purchased in the 1960s by Eugene Zimmerman of Harrisburg, PA who bought the collection. Charles Vatter of Blairsville, PA undertook a complete restoration of this rare open Pierce. Upon completion of the work, the car won an impressive list of awards and honors including a 100-point judgment at Grand Classic, several CCCA National First Awards, the James Melton Cup presented by the AACA, and a Class Award at the 1991 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Dr. Alvin Zamba of Pittsburgh, PA acquired the car in the early 1990s. In 1997, it was sold to Otis Chandler. It remained in his collection until his passing in 2006. It was sold to another California collector.

In 2010, this vehicle was offered for sale at the Pebble Beach Auction presented by Gooding & Company. The car was estimated to sell for $375,000 - $425,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $660,000 inclusive of the buyer's premium

by Dan Vaughan

LWB Convertible Sedan by LeBaron

The 1933 Pierce-Arrow lineup consisted of four series: the straight-eight Model 836 and the V12-engined Models 1236, 1242, and 1247.

This Pierce-Arrow 1247 LeBaron Convertible Sedan was one of the most prestigious Pierce-Arrows of its day and also one of the rarest. It is thought that just seven long-wheelbase convertible sedans were produced on the 1247 chassis in 1933 - and only four remain today. The car is fitted with Pierce-Arrow's superb, 175 horsepower, L-head V12 engine with cast iron blocks and aluminum heads, famous for its smoothness, power, and reliability. 'Ab' Jenkins helped Pierce-Arrow develop its newly introduced V12 engine in the late 1920s by driving a V12 at an average of 113 mph at the Utah salt flats, breaking the record for distance traveled over a 24-hour period: a total of 2,700 miles. Few American luxury cars of the time could claim such high performance.

Convertible Sedan
Chassis number: 3550032
Engine number: 355058

This 1933 Pierce-Arrow Model 1247 Convertible Sedan wears coachwork by LeBaron with styling cues inspired by the 1931 Model 41 chassis. The straight-through beltline molding was reminiscent of the Raymond Dietrich designs used on Lincoln Model KBs of the era. Wind cheating design cues include the relatively low roofline, sleek profile, rounded lines, and vee'd front radiator.

There are currently five convertible sedans in existence including this example. The earliest known owner was Maurice Weinstein of University City, Missouri who reportedly acquired it at the estate auction of a wealthy Missourian. It is believed the car may have once been owned by the Governor of Missouri and had been kept at the Governor's Mansion for many years.

Mr. Weinstein displayed the Pierce-Arrow on several occasions including at the Midwest grand Classic in Indianapolis in 1966 where it scored 91.5 points (while still in original condition). After a decade, Mr. Weinstein sold the car to Sonny Abagnale of New Jersey who, in turn, passed the car in 1983 to the publisher of the Los Angeles Times, Otis Chandler.

The car remained in Mr. Chandler's care for only a brief period of time, being sold in the 1980s to Tom Barrett. Mr. Barrett refinished the body, which is believed to, until that point, have worn its original paint. In 1988, the car was sold to Knox Kershaw and has remained in his care ever since that time.

Mr. Kershaw treated the car to an engine rebuild and mechanical restoration, after which it scored 98.5 points, achieving its Primary First Prize, in CCCA National judging in 1991. The car participated in events such as the CCCA's Pacific Northwest CARavan of 1994 and the 'CARavan 2000.' In 2010 it was displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

This car is powered by a 462 cubic-inch, L-head, V-12 engine with a single Stromberg carburetor and develops 175 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual transmission, semi-elliptical leaf spring suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

by Dan Vaughan

Pierce-Arrows were stately vehicles that commanded admiration and respect and had a price tag to match. The individuals who bought the most elite Pierce-Arrows were individuals that were high on the social ladder and cost was not an issue. The Pierce-Arrow catered to every demand and request, even keeping special colors on hand for important families and only using those colors for those vehicles and non-others. Most of the vehicle was custom, including the carpets, luggage, trunks, and seats. The Pierce-Arrows were more than just a custom and exclusive automobile, they were also known for their quality, reliability, performance, and sophistication.

The slow demise of the Pierce-Arrow Company began when other marques moved away from custom-built automobiles to production lines. The mass-produced vehicles raised the bar on quality and dependability. Though they could not guarantee exclusivity, they could guarantee a better product at a better price. When Cadillac introduced its 16-cylinder engine in 1929, Pierce-Arrow knew it had to improve its 12-cylinder engine to stay competitive. The Twelve was introduced in 1932 and came equipped with a 452 cubic-inch engine capable of producing 150 horsepower, just slightly below the output of the V16. By 1933, Pierce-Arrow had raised the output of their engine to 175 and the public approved, buying many examples and setting new sales records for Pierce.

1932 was a great year for the Pierce-Arrow Twelve. Ab Jenkins drove a 33,000-mile prototype to the salt flats of Bonneville. he set several records and then drove 2000 miles back to Buffalo. He returned the following year and set nearly 80 new records.

Unfortunately, the Great Depression was taking its toll on the company. Negotiations to merge with Auburn and Reo failed and Pierce-Arrow entered into bankruptcy. Buffalo business rescued the failing company, raised money, and cut the work staff by half. Sales improved for a short while but not enough to sustain the company. In 1937 the company closed its doors forever.

by Dan Vaughan