細節
1917 PIERCE-ARROW A 4-66 SEVEN PASSENGER TOURING CAR
Chassis No. 67640
Engine No. A 4 510
Blue and black with black interior
Engine: six-cylinder, T-head, 825ci, 13½-litre, 92bhp at 1,800rpm; Gearbox: four-speed; Brakes: rear drum; Suspension: front semi-elliptical leaf springs, rear, three-quarter elliptical. Right hand drive.
The Pierce 66 has been called "one of the mightiest cars of all time." Anyone who has ever seen or driven one of these 18½ foot, 13½
litre machines can understand why this description is so apt. However it was quality, not size, that was the aim of Pierce-Arrow. The company went to great expense to produce the finest motor-car possible. Upon completion, each chassis was throughly examined by a group of technicians in a sound proof room for smoothness and silence. Once they passed this stage Pierce would fit one of their incredible 1/8in thick cast aluminium bodies to the chassis. The end product could not be surpassed by any motor-car of the time. A testament to this fact is that Pierce-Arrows were for many years the cars chosen by the President of the United States.
This 66, according to records, was produced in the second half of 1917 and was delivered from the factory to the White House on September 20th 1917 for President Woodrow Wilson's personal use. It was one of the two 66s given to the President. (The second car is believed not to have survived.) Wilson was an avid motorist and the first President to join the American Automobile Club. The two Pierces were often seen travelling around Washington in tandem, with Wilson in the car with the top down - the second car carrying secret service men. Curiously, President Wilson was always very particular about the various drives he took. He would number them, and would say something like "Number one ride" along the Potomac. The driver was not allowed to deviate the course from previous drives. Whenever possible, President Wilson would invite a lady friend to join him, one of his daughters, Mrs Wilson, or if they were unavailable other ladies were found.
By July 1st 1919, the President had turned in 67640 for a newer closed model 48. The car was eventually declared surplus property and in 1922 it was purchased by Colonel P.J. Hennessy while he was stationed in Washington. The 66 was used as the family car by the Hennessys who by 1925 had moved to San Antonio. The Colonel had by this time replaced the worn top with a fixed or California style top and the windshield was lowered slightly. The Hennessys recognised that such an important historical car should be preserved and the Pierce-Arrow was donated to the museum in 1934.
Since then the family has always kept in touch with the car's status and when necessary contributed for any refurbishment. In 1968 the 66 was repainted and since has had a replacement radiator core made in New Zealand and new upholstery fitted. The leather upholstery and carpet is not the original style. As with many other cars from this period, some of the brightwork has been chrome plated over the original nickel, and a few minor parts such as the rear shackle cover acorns and the original hood latches are missing. The car still retains its original belly pan. The museum used the 66 in many events in which we are told it ran well. It comes with an extensive document file complete with letters from the White House and Pierce-Arrow confirming its history. As a genuine touring bodied 66 with an incredible history, it is indeed one of the most significant cars of this period in existence.
Chassis No. 67640
Engine No. A 4 510
Blue and black with black interior
Engine: six-cylinder, T-head, 825ci, 13½-litre, 92bhp at 1,800rpm; Gearbox: four-speed; Brakes: rear drum; Suspension: front semi-elliptical leaf springs, rear, three-quarter elliptical. Right hand drive.
The Pierce 66 has been called "one of the mightiest cars of all time." Anyone who has ever seen or driven one of these 18½ foot, 13½
litre machines can understand why this description is so apt. However it was quality, not size, that was the aim of Pierce-Arrow. The company went to great expense to produce the finest motor-car possible. Upon completion, each chassis was throughly examined by a group of technicians in a sound proof room for smoothness and silence. Once they passed this stage Pierce would fit one of their incredible 1/8in thick cast aluminium bodies to the chassis. The end product could not be surpassed by any motor-car of the time. A testament to this fact is that Pierce-Arrows were for many years the cars chosen by the President of the United States.
This 66, according to records, was produced in the second half of 1917 and was delivered from the factory to the White House on September 20th 1917 for President Woodrow Wilson's personal use. It was one of the two 66s given to the President. (The second car is believed not to have survived.) Wilson was an avid motorist and the first President to join the American Automobile Club. The two Pierces were often seen travelling around Washington in tandem, with Wilson in the car with the top down - the second car carrying secret service men. Curiously, President Wilson was always very particular about the various drives he took. He would number them, and would say something like "Number one ride" along the Potomac. The driver was not allowed to deviate the course from previous drives. Whenever possible, President Wilson would invite a lady friend to join him, one of his daughters, Mrs Wilson, or if they were unavailable other ladies were found.
By July 1st 1919, the President had turned in 67640 for a newer closed model 48. The car was eventually declared surplus property and in 1922 it was purchased by Colonel P.J. Hennessy while he was stationed in Washington. The 66 was used as the family car by the Hennessys who by 1925 had moved to San Antonio. The Colonel had by this time replaced the worn top with a fixed or California style top and the windshield was lowered slightly. The Hennessys recognised that such an important historical car should be preserved and the Pierce-Arrow was donated to the museum in 1934.
Since then the family has always kept in touch with the car's status and when necessary contributed for any refurbishment. In 1968 the 66 was repainted and since has had a replacement radiator core made in New Zealand and new upholstery fitted. The leather upholstery and carpet is not the original style. As with many other cars from this period, some of the brightwork has been chrome plated over the original nickel, and a few minor parts such as the rear shackle cover acorns and the original hood latches are missing. The car still retains its original belly pan. The museum used the 66 in many events in which we are told it ran well. It comes with an extensive document file complete with letters from the White House and Pierce-Arrow confirming its history. As a genuine touring bodied 66 with an incredible history, it is indeed one of the most significant cars of this period in existence.