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Pierce-Arrow 80 1928

General description : Description
Pierce-Arrow is one of those storied American brands that make car show judges stand up and take notice. In fact, this 1928 Model 81 Club Brougham is your instant ticket to a premium spot at car shows where they'll park you next to Packard and Peerless (it completes the Three-Ps of the best in pre-war American motoring.) So this two-door sedan already seems like a tantalizing proposition, even before you read about its history.
The two-tone coordinating colors of tan and brown give this one an instant regal appearance. And of course, the Pierce-Arrows are always recognizable with the hallmark headlight formed into the fenders. It's a premium touch that wouldn't be mainstream for even almost a decade after this one was hand-crafted. In fact, the extra time it took to make a Pierce-Arrow really shows in this example. The body continues to have clean lines from well-fitting panels nearly a century after they were formed. So while the Model 81 was supposed to be the higher volume model, it still was never purely pedestrian. And the rarity is in the numbers. It's believed that for every 120 cars Ford made in 1928, there was one Pierce-Arrow Model 81 produced. As you look through the photos, you may have noticed the unique wheels. One side of the car is done in a bold red, and the other is a detailed presentation with green. The story goes that the car was repainted from its original green many decades ago. When it came time to choose a wheel color, the husband and wife were decisively split on what it should be. So rather than one decision, each side was finished to their desire. It's a his and hers finishing touch. That makes for a great story about a simple solution for those who are used to getting all they want in premium style. And that's at the heart of Pierce-Arrow ownership.
The whole interior has a well-preserved and well-crafted feeling for it. And you'll especially love the elegant presentation of the gauges. Pierce-Arrow used precision Waltham dials and set them in a panel that's elegant enough to look like a mantel clock. The mohair cloth has a great pattern that seems to represent the 1920s kind of style well. There are more great details, like roll-down windows for both rows, a pop-out windshield for ventilation, exterior trunk, and a large grippy four-spoke steering wheel (it will have you thinking about all the generations of aristocrats that came before you every time you grab it.)
Under the hood is the correct-style 288 cubic-inch inline six motor. It shares a similar but simplified style to the famous Dual Valve Six line. As you dig a little deeper, you'll see this was upgraded to a 12-volt electrical system and an alternator. The stock-style components are still in place and bypassed in case purists want to return the original setup. But what this upgrade really does is make for a classic motor that really loves to fire up and run. The full powertrain has a high degree of originality, right down to the three-speed manual transmission. It will require a little double clutching (if you like 1920s cars, you're likely already a pro). It's a torque-filled package that gets around town with ease, and these Pierce-Arrows were also known for their strong brakes.
This example has spent the majority of its life with only a few families. So it's a well-preserved Model 81 that remains an upper-class car with upper-class respect. Call now!

Features : Seatbelts (None) , Cloth Interior ,

1928 Pierce-Arrow 80 is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in Charlotte, North Carolina by Streetside Classics - Charlotte for $54995.

 

Car Facts

Car type : Car Make : Pierce-Arrow Model : 80 Engine size : 4.7 Model Year : 1928 Sub type : Sedan Location : Charlotte Vehicle Registration : Undefined

54995 $

Seller Information

Streetside Classics - Charlotte

Streetside Classics - Charlotte
(704) 598-2130
Contact Seller

ClassicDigest Market Radar on Pierce-Arrow 80

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About Pierce-Arrow
Pierce-Arrow, once considered among America's most prestigious and luxurious automobile manufacturers, contributed significantly to automotive history with its innovation, craftsmanship, and distinctive design elements. Here's an overview of Pierce-Arrow, its history, notable models, and the renowned headlights:

Pierce-Arrow: An American Icon
Early Beginnings and Foundation:

Origins: Established in 1865 as a manufacturer of household goods and later bicycles, Pierce-Arrow transitioned to automobiles in the early 20th century.
Automobile Production: Officially entered the automotive market in 1901, producing high-quality cars that targeted affluent buyers.
Milestones and Remarkable Models:

Pierce-Arrow Model 66 (1910-1918):
Powerhouse: Known for its powerful 12.7-liter six-cylinder engine, showcasing impressive performance for its time.
Luxury and Innovation: Set a standard for luxury, featuring advanced engineering and opulent amenities.
Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow (1933):
Streamlined Design: Celebrated for its sleek, futuristic design with smooth, aerodynamic lines.
Limited Production: Only five examples were produced, making it one of the most sought-after and valuable cars in automotive history.
Iconic Headlights:

Signature Headlights: Pierce-Arrow's most distinctive feature was its trademark headlights, known as "Pierce-Arrow Headlights" or "Pierce-Arrow Headlamps."
Fender-Mounted Headlights: These headlights were mounted on the fenders rather than the traditional placement on the car's body or grille, contributing to the brand's recognizable design language.
Legacy and Influence:

Luxury and Elegance: Pierce-Arrow earned a reputation for producing some of the finest luxury cars in America, appealing to affluent buyers seeking quality and prestige.
Contributions to Automotive Design: The brand's innovative design elements, such as the fender-mounted headlights, left a lasting impact on automotive styling and aesthetics.
Decline and End:

Challenges and Transition: Economic downturns and changes in consumer preferences led to Pierce-Arrow's decline.
Final Years: The company faced financial struggles during the Great Depression and ceased automobile production in 1938.
Conclusion
Pierce-Arrow's legacy lies in its commitment to producing meticulously crafted, luxurious automobiles that exuded elegance and sophistication. Alongside its opulent vehicles, the brand's distinctive fender-mounted headlights became an enduring symbol of its unique design approach, contributing to its iconic status in automotive history despite its eventual disappearance.