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Details
1918 PIERCE-ARROW MODEL 48 B-5 SEVEN PASSENGER TOURING CAR
Chassis No.
Engine No. B5-5457
Unpainted, completely new body in primer with blue fenders
Engine: T-head, six cylinder, cast in pairs, pressure feed engine lubrication, 4½ x 5½ bore and stroke, 525 ci. (8,602cc), 92hp at 1,600rpm; Gearbox: leather-faced cone clutch running in oil, selective transmission with four forward speeds and reverse and interlocking device; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs front and three-quarter elliptic rear leaf springs; Brakes: original two wheel drum on rear wheels with hand brake for rear wheels, front wheel drum brakes subsequently added. Right hand drive.
This car's 48 B-5 model designation understates its importance; this was the first of Pierce's famed dual valve six cylinder powerplants. Pierce-Arrow's chief engineer, David Fergusson, had emigrated from England. Throughout his career he continued to be influenced by European automobile engineering. Fergusson's doubling the inlet and exhaust valves (to 24) in the same sized 48 engine, a novel move by American automotive standards, created a technical masterpiece. It was claimed to do 77mph with the top up and the windshield in place. A 48 B-5 dual valve six has a 40 increase in horsepower, with 20 greater acceleration and 11 improvement in gas milage over the same model of the previous year. This expanded the range of speeds in which the car could comfortably run in high gear, an important factor in luxury motoring of the time. The dual valves also contribute to a cooler running engine. Pierce-Arrow's custom order section, the Art Department, suggested trimming these dual valve touring cars to emphasize the new technical qualities: with the radiator shell and front bumper painted to match the body and a darker contrasting color on the thick beltline.
This impressive touring car model is a partially restored example that Mr. Browning purchased from Mr. Rodney Flournoy in 1993. After purchasing the Pierce, Mr. Browning commissioned respected restorer, Mr. Eric Rosenau, to restore the engine and transmission. It has a completely new cast aluminum body built by Rex Hadley that appears to be very authentic and correct, however, it is currently quite incomplete. A top needs to be made and certain accessories, such as a bulb horn, are also needed. The car seats seven, two in rear jump seats. The seats have yet to receive either the original standard covering of dull pebble grain finish black leather or the occasionally-demanded pig skin. The front single-bar bumper is nickel-plated; Bausch & Lomb lenses are on the trademark Pierce-Arrow headlights; the engine has the correct Pierce carburetor; the dashboard instrumentation is complete with a clock and a speedometer that can register 75mph; the folding windshield incorporates an adjustable rain visor and a ventilator.
The 48 B-5 cars are among the rarest and most impressive Pierce-Arrows; only ten are believed to survive. This is a special opportunity to have one of them at a very reasonable acquisition cost. The incomplete restoration provides the opportunity of finishing the car with the same wide range of trim choices as when the car was originally ordered. When complete, its combination of Pierce-Arrow's peerless driving characteristics and rarity will make it an excellent vehicle in which to enjoy vintage motoring events.
WITHOUT RESERVE
Chassis No.
Engine No. B5-5457
Unpainted, completely new body in primer with blue fenders
Engine: T-head, six cylinder, cast in pairs, pressure feed engine lubrication, 4½ x 5½ bore and stroke, 525 ci. (8,602cc), 92hp at 1,600rpm; Gearbox: leather-faced cone clutch running in oil, selective transmission with four forward speeds and reverse and interlocking device; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs front and three-quarter elliptic rear leaf springs; Brakes: original two wheel drum on rear wheels with hand brake for rear wheels, front wheel drum brakes subsequently added. Right hand drive.
This car's 48 B-5 model designation understates its importance; this was the first of Pierce's famed dual valve six cylinder powerplants. Pierce-Arrow's chief engineer, David Fergusson, had emigrated from England. Throughout his career he continued to be influenced by European automobile engineering. Fergusson's doubling the inlet and exhaust valves (to 24) in the same sized 48 engine, a novel move by American automotive standards, created a technical masterpiece. It was claimed to do 77mph with the top up and the windshield in place. A 48 B-5 dual valve six has a 40 increase in horsepower, with 20 greater acceleration and 11 improvement in gas milage over the same model of the previous year. This expanded the range of speeds in which the car could comfortably run in high gear, an important factor in luxury motoring of the time. The dual valves also contribute to a cooler running engine. Pierce-Arrow's custom order section, the Art Department, suggested trimming these dual valve touring cars to emphasize the new technical qualities: with the radiator shell and front bumper painted to match the body and a darker contrasting color on the thick beltline.
This impressive touring car model is a partially restored example that Mr. Browning purchased from Mr. Rodney Flournoy in 1993. After purchasing the Pierce, Mr. Browning commissioned respected restorer, Mr. Eric Rosenau, to restore the engine and transmission. It has a completely new cast aluminum body built by Rex Hadley that appears to be very authentic and correct, however, it is currently quite incomplete. A top needs to be made and certain accessories, such as a bulb horn, are also needed. The car seats seven, two in rear jump seats. The seats have yet to receive either the original standard covering of dull pebble grain finish black leather or the occasionally-demanded pig skin. The front single-bar bumper is nickel-plated; Bausch & Lomb lenses are on the trademark Pierce-Arrow headlights; the engine has the correct Pierce carburetor; the dashboard instrumentation is complete with a clock and a speedometer that can register 75mph; the folding windshield incorporates an adjustable rain visor and a ventilator.
The 48 B-5 cars are among the rarest and most impressive Pierce-Arrows; only ten are believed to survive. This is a special opportunity to have one of them at a very reasonable acquisition cost. The incomplete restoration provides the opportunity of finishing the car with the same wide range of trim choices as when the car was originally ordered. When complete, its combination of Pierce-Arrow's peerless driving characteristics and rarity will make it an excellent vehicle in which to enjoy vintage motoring events.
WITHOUT RESERVE
Special notice
This lot has no reserve.