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Details
1909 PIERCE-ARROW MODEL 48-SS SEVEN-PASSENGER TOURING CAR
Chassis No. 6762
Engine No. 6762
Maroon with dark green belt molding and red pinstriping with pebble-grain maroon tufted leather interior and a black Panasote top with gray lining
Engine: T-head, six cylinders, cast in pairs, gravity feed engine lubrication, 4½ x 4¾ bore and stroke, 453.33ci., 48hp; Gearbox: cone clutch, H-pattern, four forward speeds, with the fourth speed direct drive and reverse; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear with Hartford shock absorbers; Brakes: two wheel drum with transmission brake. Right hand drive.
The touring car body is indicative of the high level of this car's construction. It is a prime example of Pierce-Arrow's own unique cast aluminum (1/8" thick) coachwork. Body sections were riveted together by lapped joints, with the joints filed for a perfect fit. At the time American body building practice was to use sheet aluminum or metal over wood framing, but Pierce-Arrow believed the savings in weight and added durability of the cast aluminum process offset the added construction cost. A fine flat dashboard is at the front of the passenger compartment and has twin gloveboxes. A partly-concealed trunk with a Yale lock is fitted beneath the rear of the body with a trunk rack above for additional luggage capacity.
This Pierce-Arrow Model 48-SS seven-passenger touring car is one of the most impressive Brass-Era cars. Built on a long 130" wheelbase chassis, the tastefully-colored ballooned bodywork is well complemented by innovative technical points. 'Will climb mountains as the level road' was the quote of one Pierce owner of the time driving from Sorrento, Italy to Switzerland. The smoothness of acceleration and the dependability of the car's mechanical components in varied driving environments were hallmarks of the Pierce-Arrow reputation for reliability and quality with period luxury.
Beginning in 1909 the motor cars of the George N. Pierce Company were officially called Pierce-Arrow, adopting the popular name for Pierce Great Arrow vehicles. As part of this change, the George N. Pierce Company business was renamed the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company. These cars also set important technical milestones for the company. They were the first line of Pierce-Arrow cars to emphasize the six, rather than the four, cylinder engine. The 48 hp engine size was new for 1909, as was the method of building it. Introducing the twin casting of cylinders utilized the European practice of intermediate bearings (placing a crankshaft bearing between each cylinder maximized crankshaft rigidity). Pioneering technical points were also seen in the three-quarter-elliptic rear springs. Equally impressive construction details are rear wheels secured to Krupp chrome nickel driveshafts and the manganese bronze differential case. This all created a dependable and smooth running motor car.
The Model 48-SS cars were the most popular of the six 1909 Pierce chassis types; 362 out of the total year's production of 956 cars were shipped from the factory. This touring car's serial number 6762 identifies it as the twelfth Model 48-SS built, made in late 1908 and before the 48-SS cars displayed in the January 1909 New York Auto Show. The low serial number also explains the Great Arrow rather than Pierce-Arrow name on the door sill plates. Less than a dozen 1909 Pierce-Arrows are believed to survive; there are indications this majestic touring car is the only Model 48-SS of its kind extant.
Purchased by Mr. Browning in 1974 this fabulous example received a thorough and correct restoration. This exceptional touring car won first place at Pebble Beach in 0000 following its absolutely stunning restoration. Finished in the tasteful colors of maroon with dark green belt moldings and red pinstriping, this glorious motor car is a testament to the greatness of the Pierce-Arrow marque. The paintwork is in very presentable condition, as is the maroon pebble grain tufted leather interior and black Panasote top. The underbody is quite clean and shows some limited road wear. Overall, this Pierce is cosmetically very impressive and on a recent short distance drive, the car performed proficiently.
The Pierce is equipped with many desirable items, all of which add to the overall correctness and desirability of this stately Touring Car. Specifically, the Pierce has a brass finished Rushmore Searchlight headlamps, Solar Model 933 sidelamps as well as a Solar tail lamp. Additionally, the Pierce is fitted with a Warner 60mph speedometer, Rayfield carburetor, Bosch D6 magneto, a warmer heated from the radiator and a very attractive folding windshield. An interesting detail is the white 'Pyramid' sheeting utilized on the Pierce's interior floor and on the running boards. This Pierce-Arrow also incorporates several newer conveniences: an electric starter fitted onto the flywheel, a tastefully-mounted modern oil filter, a distributor and an automatic shaking grate generator by Rushmore. The correct dual spare tires are mounted on the driver's side of the car. Valve access portals are incorrect; a lovely air pump is mounted though currently not connected.
Its quality, rarity and driving characteristics make this Pierce-Arrow most desirable, and fully eligible to participate in Pierce-Arrow Society, AACA, HCCA and VMCCA events. Undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Browning Collection, this lovely example would be considered with equal regard within any prominent collection of important and roadworthy motor cars.
WITHOUT RESERVE
Chassis No. 6762
Engine No. 6762
Maroon with dark green belt molding and red pinstriping with pebble-grain maroon tufted leather interior and a black Panasote top with gray lining
Engine: T-head, six cylinders, cast in pairs, gravity feed engine lubrication, 4½ x 4¾ bore and stroke, 453.33ci., 48hp; Gearbox: cone clutch, H-pattern, four forward speeds, with the fourth speed direct drive and reverse; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear with Hartford shock absorbers; Brakes: two wheel drum with transmission brake. Right hand drive.
The touring car body is indicative of the high level of this car's construction. It is a prime example of Pierce-Arrow's own unique cast aluminum (1/8" thick) coachwork. Body sections were riveted together by lapped joints, with the joints filed for a perfect fit. At the time American body building practice was to use sheet aluminum or metal over wood framing, but Pierce-Arrow believed the savings in weight and added durability of the cast aluminum process offset the added construction cost. A fine flat dashboard is at the front of the passenger compartment and has twin gloveboxes. A partly-concealed trunk with a Yale lock is fitted beneath the rear of the body with a trunk rack above for additional luggage capacity.
This Pierce-Arrow Model 48-SS seven-passenger touring car is one of the most impressive Brass-Era cars. Built on a long 130" wheelbase chassis, the tastefully-colored ballooned bodywork is well complemented by innovative technical points. 'Will climb mountains as the level road' was the quote of one Pierce owner of the time driving from Sorrento, Italy to Switzerland. The smoothness of acceleration and the dependability of the car's mechanical components in varied driving environments were hallmarks of the Pierce-Arrow reputation for reliability and quality with period luxury.
Beginning in 1909 the motor cars of the George N. Pierce Company were officially called Pierce-Arrow, adopting the popular name for Pierce Great Arrow vehicles. As part of this change, the George N. Pierce Company business was renamed the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company. These cars also set important technical milestones for the company. They were the first line of Pierce-Arrow cars to emphasize the six, rather than the four, cylinder engine. The 48 hp engine size was new for 1909, as was the method of building it. Introducing the twin casting of cylinders utilized the European practice of intermediate bearings (placing a crankshaft bearing between each cylinder maximized crankshaft rigidity). Pioneering technical points were also seen in the three-quarter-elliptic rear springs. Equally impressive construction details are rear wheels secured to Krupp chrome nickel driveshafts and the manganese bronze differential case. This all created a dependable and smooth running motor car.
The Model 48-SS cars were the most popular of the six 1909 Pierce chassis types; 362 out of the total year's production of 956 cars were shipped from the factory. This touring car's serial number 6762 identifies it as the twelfth Model 48-SS built, made in late 1908 and before the 48-SS cars displayed in the January 1909 New York Auto Show. The low serial number also explains the Great Arrow rather than Pierce-Arrow name on the door sill plates. Less than a dozen 1909 Pierce-Arrows are believed to survive; there are indications this majestic touring car is the only Model 48-SS of its kind extant.
Purchased by Mr. Browning in 1974 this fabulous example received a thorough and correct restoration. This exceptional touring car won first place at Pebble Beach in 0000 following its absolutely stunning restoration. Finished in the tasteful colors of maroon with dark green belt moldings and red pinstriping, this glorious motor car is a testament to the greatness of the Pierce-Arrow marque. The paintwork is in very presentable condition, as is the maroon pebble grain tufted leather interior and black Panasote top. The underbody is quite clean and shows some limited road wear. Overall, this Pierce is cosmetically very impressive and on a recent short distance drive, the car performed proficiently.
The Pierce is equipped with many desirable items, all of which add to the overall correctness and desirability of this stately Touring Car. Specifically, the Pierce has a brass finished Rushmore Searchlight headlamps, Solar Model 933 sidelamps as well as a Solar tail lamp. Additionally, the Pierce is fitted with a Warner 60mph speedometer, Rayfield carburetor, Bosch D6 magneto, a warmer heated from the radiator and a very attractive folding windshield. An interesting detail is the white 'Pyramid' sheeting utilized on the Pierce's interior floor and on the running boards. This Pierce-Arrow also incorporates several newer conveniences: an electric starter fitted onto the flywheel, a tastefully-mounted modern oil filter, a distributor and an automatic shaking grate generator by Rushmore. The correct dual spare tires are mounted on the driver's side of the car. Valve access portals are incorrect; a lovely air pump is mounted though currently not connected.
Its quality, rarity and driving characteristics make this Pierce-Arrow most desirable, and fully eligible to participate in Pierce-Arrow Society, AACA, HCCA and VMCCA events. Undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Browning Collection, this lovely example would be considered with equal regard within any prominent collection of important and roadworthy motor cars.
WITHOUT RESERVE
Special notice
This lot has no reserve.