1930 Pierce-Arrow Model C Coupe

The forerunner of Pierce-Arrow was established in 1865 as Heinz, Pierce and Munschauer. The company was best known for its household items, especially its delicate, gilded birdcages. In 1872, George Norman Pierce (1846–1910) bought out the other two principles of the company, changed the name to George N. Pierce Company, and in 1896 added bicycles to the product line. The company failed in its attempt to build a steam-powered car in 1900 under license from Overman, but by 1901, had built its first single-cylinder, two-speed, no-reverse Motorette. In 1903, it produced a two-cylinder car, the Arrow. The Pierce-Arrow was a status symbol, owned by many Hollywood stars and tycoons, and a favorite was the Pierce-Arrow Town Car. Most of the royalty of the world had at least one Pierce-Arrow in its collection. Some have described Pierce and two of its rivals among American luxury cars, Peerless and Packard, as the "Three P's of Motordom". Pierce-Arrow advertisements were artistic and understated. Unusual for car advertising, the image of the car was in the background rather than the foreground of the picture. Usually, only part of the car was visible. The Pierce-Arrow was typically depicted in elegant and fashionable settings. Some advertisements featured the car in places a car would not normally go, such as the West and other rural settings, a testament to the car's ruggedness and quality.
A fine example of a rarely seen model that has been restored at some point but is now showing some age. Passed through many owners who were members of the Pierce-Arrow society and with an extensive history, this luxurious relic from time long past is now awaiting a new caretaker. Will you be the one to join the ranks of the elite with Pierce-Arrow ownership?

Exterior
Bathed in an older coating of Viceroy Maroon and equipped with wire spoke wheels, dual side mounted spares with auxiliary mirrors atop, dual driving lights, and Pierce-Arrow's archer hood ornament this car oozes dignity and class. With mostly straight steel panels with good gaps, and that deep maroon is simply mesmerizing; however, we do note some evidence of body filler on the lower panels all around the car. All chrome trim and bumpers are very nice, and a plethora of surfaces are covered with it. Attention to design detail was paramount in this era, and the headlight and turn signal bezels reflect that as well as the vinyl covered roof and essential Landau bars. Well-applied black covers the undulating fenders and running boards and compliment the maroon nicely. Between the fenders is the long louvered hood with the iconic Archer hood ornament sitting proudly at the front. Bringing up the rear is a trunk rack fully working with its cargo trunk and triple bezel taillight assembly, all wonderfully chromed. Of special note is the golf club door on the passenger's side, simply open the door and slide your clubs in, and if you don't have any our gracious consignor has included a set of vintage wooden clubs.

Interior
With a charming and extremely comfortable gray wool broadcloth on the door panels and seats, passengers could be whisked down the road in ultra-comfort. Like 2 overstuffed couches, the front benches provide ample room for 2, however we do note some moth damage to the upholstery, particularly on the driver's side. This material also covers the B and C pillars and the headliner of the interior. Areas of maroon and black make up the dash. Speaking of the dash, it is nearly showroom with its chromed bezeled original gauges and chrome highlighting trim. The Pierce badge shows up in the original speedometer and fronting all of this is the original bakelite steering wheel. Pristine gray carpet floods the floors and for the rumble seat area we note a beige leather bench arrangement.

Drivetrain
Resting under the center hinged hood is a long and lean 385ci inline 8 cylinder capable of producing 132hp. A single 2-barrel carburetor feeds this long mill, and a 3-speed manual transmission is on the back. A rear axle weighing in with a 4.42 ratio motors this large car around with ease. A close look at the photos of this engine bay makes one marvel at the elegance of even the engine and its supporting accessories.

Undercarriage
As expected, once in the air we were met with a mixture of black painted surfaces, patina and minor surface rust. All remains structurally sound, including the wood flooring. Leaf spring suspension as well as mechanical drum brakes are noted both front and rear and a stock style single exhaust system handles the removal of spent combustion fumes.

Drive-Ability
Sitting in this car has one harkening back to the days when money grew on trees, and there was little to no income taxes. This created great wealth, and along with it great luxury and pampering for those who could have it within their means to experience such. This car is the embodiment of that luxury in that it runs like a dream, idles so smoothly, and has nice acceleration, and once familiar with a non-synchronized transmission can be shifted through the gears simply. It can stop, start and run down the road with the best of them, even by today's standards. A wonderful drive with all functions operational.

With MSRP prices starting at $2,865 and soaring beyond if one wanted to add more luxury this was not a car for the masses. This was a car for the elite, famous, and rich. Here in our Hallowed Halls of the Classic Auto Mall and ripe for the picking. Are you ready to join the likes of Babe Ruth, the Shah of Persia, William Taft, and even Orville Wright and enjoy the Pride of Craftsmanship?

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.