1917 Pierce-Arrow Model 38

French Brougham
Chassis number: 38450

The Pierce-Arrow Model 38 was powered by a six-cylinder engine displacing 415 cubic inches and rested on a platform that measured 134 inches. The company produced nearly 250 units.

This Open-Front French Brougham was one of the most expensive Model 38s offered for 1917. It was originally sold to F. Robert Greene in Boston and it remained in his family until it was acquired by Mr. Garganino. The next owner was D. Cameron Peck, followed by D. Cameron Peck and then Mark Ralston. In 1993, it was sold to Patrick Craig of Stockton, California who retained it until early 2004, when Harry Clark acquired it with the odometer showing only about 16,700 miles. The current owner acquired it in August 2005.

The car is painted in its original black paint. There is a blue brocade interior which is likewise completely original. There is a roll-up division window, jump seats, and roller window shades in the rear compartment.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Hershey Auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $50,000 - $70,000. As bidding came to a close, the car was sold for the sum of $66,000 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Runabout
Chassis number: 38189

For more than three decades, the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Co. of Buffalo, New York, was one of the most respected and renowned automakers in America. Heintz, Pierce, and Munschauer was founded in Buffalo, New York, in 1865. In addition to bird cages, the company produced ice boxes and other household items. In 1872, Pierce bought a controlling interest in the firm and reorganized it as the George N. Pierce Co., adding bicycles in 1896. Like many others, the lure of the automobile was far too tempting and a steam car was completed in the summer of 1900. David Fergusson joined Pierce in early 1901 and the company had its chief engineer for the next two decades. Manufacture of the one-cylinder Motorette began in late 1901. By the end of 1902, 150 were produced; another 250 in 1903.

The company was among the most successful early proponents of the six-cylinder engine, a pioneer in power brakes, and was associated with some remarkable early experiments in light alloy construction, streamlined bodywork, and power steering.

Pierce-Arrow really hits its stride during the second decade of the 20th century. Pierce was an innovative manufacturer, offering features such as aluminum bodies, dual-valve engines, and power brakes. This roadster sports the fender headlamp, a trademark design feature that began in 1913.

On the aesthetics side, there was the patented Pierce-Arrow fender treatment. Designed by Herbert Dawley, the distinctive headlamp-in-fender design endured for the remainder of Pierce-Arrow's existence.

This 38-horsepower 6-cylinder runabout was donated to the AACA Museum in 2003 by the late Henry E. Becker and Pauline S. Becker, who extensively toured with on many AACA tours, Glidden Tours, and other events.

Pierce Arrow built 1,891 cars in 1917. This one retailed for $4,800; the least expensive Model T Ford the same year was $345.

Pierce-Arrow ended production in 1938, a victim of the depression and changing tastes. The company manufactured approximately 85,000 cars; there are less than 2,000 documented survivors.

by AACA

The six-cylinder Pierce-Arrow Model 38 was introduced in 1913 and would remain in production for a number of years accounting for many of the vehicles produced by Pierce-Arrow. The entire range of Pierce-Arrows were built with craftsmanship and a high level of quality. Their use and experimentation with aluminum throughout the years led to successful implementation resulting in lightweight bodies that were rigid and lacked vibration, buckling, or warping with excessive use or in extreme temperatures. The construction with the aluminum was a time consuming and expensive process and accounted for part of the hefty price tag of the vehicle.

In 1919, the Seven-Passenger Touring Model had a base price of $6,500 which was well above the industry average and one of the more expensive vehicles offered for sale. The Seven Passenger Suburban cost $5,000. For that price, the buyer received a car that rested on a wheelbase that measured 142-inches and was powered by a six-cylinder engine that had dual-valve and dual ignition and displaced 414 cubic-inches. The result was 38 horsepower which was sent through the four-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels, which were also responsible for the mechanical braking. The Seven Passenger Touring Model had a wheelbase of 134 inches.

by Dan Vaughan