- 1 of just 10 known surviving examples with the desirable tonneau shield
- Noted past owners include the Richard and Linda Kughn Collection
- Multiple CCCA and Pierce-Arrow Club award winner
- Scored 99 points in the Primary division of the CCCA Michigan Grand Classic in 2008
LOT 330
Selling on Saturday
From The Passport Collection
1929 Pierce-Arrow Model 133 Touring Dual Cowl Phaeton
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
Named for its 133-inch wheelbase, this 1929 Pierce-Arrow Model 133 Touring Dual-Cowl Phaeton helped its manufacturer hit a much-needed financial bullseye as things had not been looking good for the Buffalo, New York-based Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company. A reversal of fortune was needed, and it arrived in the form of a business alliance with the Studebaker Corporation. The "merger" was more of a Studebaker acquisition, but no matter: Pierce-Arrow reaped big benefits. Due to Studebaker's financial backing, they now had the ability to produce a few new model ranges for 1929. The 133 would be the favorite among the new models and was offered in an astonishing twelve different body styles, with the Dual Cowl Phaeton seated at the top.
Appointed in an elegant pale yellow and black color scheme, which mirrored that of an original 1929 advertisement, this finely tuned 1929 Pierce-Arrow Model 133 Touring Dual Cowl Phaeton has been owned by a distinguished list of collectors through the years. Documented by the late Pierce-Arrow Society historian, Bernard J. Weis, it is said to be one of just ten known surviving examples in this configuration. Noted on its original body tag, "TS" or Tonneau Shield, it is best known and referred to as a dual cowl phaeton model.
The first known owner would be Canadian-based collector Chris Chaman in 1966 who would then sell this example to Stanley W. Knight of Brodhead, Wisconsin. Subsequent owners would then be John Bolkema of New Jersey, Louis Randle, Jr. of Indiana and then it would be welcomed into the noted collection of the late Richard and Linda Kughn. Under their stewardship, this rare Pierce would really make a name for itself, scoring a near perfect 99 points in the Primary division of the Classic Car Club of America Michigan Grand Classic in 2008, winning the Director's Choice at the Pierce-Arrow Gathering at the famous Gilmore Car Museum in 2009, following which it would be featured in the winter issue of the Michigan Region CCCA Torque magazine. Remaining in the collection for a number of years, the previous owner, a noted collector, would acquire this Pierce in 2014 which would then lead to the Passport Collection being the most recent owner.
Well-preserved throughout the ownership of multiple noted collections, this example displays numerous accessories that further elevate its status, which include painted wire wheels, dual wind wings, dual horns, dual driving lights, dual side-mounted spares adorned with side mirrors, and a rear-mounted trunk rack topped with a trunk.
Mechanically, Pierce-Arrow was at the top of the automotive world in 1929 when it came to engine offerings, as their 366-cubic-inch straight-eight engine offered higher performance and more power than any other American eight-cylinder, besides the Mighty Model J Duesenberg. Nicely restored and sorted, this example's 125-horsepower inline eight-cylinder engine combines with its three-speed manual transmission to give it wonderful road manners. Mechanically sound, this Pierce-Arrow Model 133 offers its next caretaker the unique opportunity to partake in tours around the country while hosting guests in lavish style and comfort.
A pivotal car in the success and history of the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company, this nicely restored, CCCA Full Classic® Model 133 is presented as one of just a mere 10 known surviving examples to wear the "tonneau shield" configuration and makes for a wonderful addition to any collection of classics.
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