1928 Pierce-Arrow Model 81 Rumble Seat Convertible Coupe

288ci L-Head Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Updraft Stromberg Carburetor
75bhp at 3,000 rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Parallel Semi-Elliptical Leaf Spring Suspension with Solid Front and Rear Axle
4-Wheel Vacuum-Powered Brakes

*Sporting, all-weather coachwork
*Older restoration
*Excellent for touring
*CCCA Full Classic®

THE PIERCE-ARROW

Based in Buffalo, New York, Pierce built birdcages, ice boxes and bicycles before introducing its first gasoline-driven automobile in 1901; however, the Pierce-Arrow name was not used until 1904. In 1908 the firm added Motor Car Company to the Pierce-Arrow name and soon switched its attention exclusively to the production of luxury cars, pioneering many technological developments, including servo-assisted braking and hydraulic tappets, while building some of the most prestigious motor cars ever to grace America's highways.

Some idea of the rapidity of Pierce-Arrow's rise may be gauged from the fact that as early as 1909 The White House ordered two for state occasions. From then onward Pierce-Arrow would be synonymous with the ultimate in opulence, ranking alongside Cadillac, Packard and Rolls-Royce. Clinging to traditional styling, apart from their striking in-fender, streamlined headlights, and handicapped by a range of 6-cylinder engines in an increasingly multi-cylinder marketplace, Pierce-Arrow sadly saw its sales decline throughout the 1920s.

A new range of straight eights was introduced, and sales doubled in 1929. A V12 was added in November 1931 but both Pierce-Arrows found life very tough in the post-Wall Street crash years. Sales dwindled throughout the 1930s and the once-magnificent Pierce-Arrow folded in 1938.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This delightful Pierce Arrow Model 81 features one of the most versatile and sought-after bodies available, the Rumble Seat Convertible Coupe. A factory offering, one of over a dozen bodies from which one could choose, the 2/4-seat Convertible Coupe provided luxurious enclosed comfort with roll-up windows and the option for open air motoring with two extra seats in the back. The high quality of the Buffalo, New York-built car is a testament to why Pierce-Arrow was one of the 'Three Ps' associated with quality American motorcars (the other two being Packard and Peerless).

Purchased by the collection from an auction in Auburn, Indiana in 1991. The subject of an older restoration, the car has not been driven in some time and will require recommissioning before active use. A CCCA Full Classic®, it will no doubt make an excellent tour or event car someday.