- Delightful older comprehensive restoration
- Formerly owned by noted collector Jim Miller
- First year of the eight-cylinder Pierce
- A Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic®
LOT 332
Selling on Saturday
From The Passport Collection
1929 Pierce-Arrow Model 125 Coupe
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
In 1928, most automobile manufacturers were thriving and enjoying prosperity before the onset of the Great Depression. However, Pierce-Arrow, based in Buffalo, New York, was struggling financially. The company urgently needed new models, but limited funds made development difficult. As a short-term solution, Pierce-Arrow formed a "business alliance" with Studebaker, a financially stable company whose president, Albert Erskine, had long sought to introduce a true luxury model. Though officially termed a "merger," the arrangement was effectively Studebaker's acquisition of Pierce-Arrow. Backed by Studebaker's resources, Pierce-Arrow was able to develop its first eight-cylinder engine, replacing the aging six-cylinder unit.
Introduced in 1929, the new engine was a significant advancement. It was about 100 pounds lighter than its predecessor while delivering 25 percent more power from a 12 percent smaller displacement. Additionally, the new models were more affordable, starting at $2,775, making Pierce-Arrow quality accessible to a wider market. Offered in 12 different body styles, the cars saw a production high of 8,000 units in 1929-a record the company would never surpass, as financial doom was slowly lurking in the shadows once more.
Offered from the inaugural year of the Pierce-Arrow Eight, this Model 125 Coupe wears an older restoration that has mellowed appropriately. Before the Passport Collection acquired this example, it resided in multiple different collections, including noted Canadian collector Jim Miller. A pleasing appearance, the body is finished in a subtle Mint Green with black fenders and black leather top with landau bars over a button-tufted tan cloth upholstery. Period accessories include dual wind wings, a golf club bag door, rear-mounted spare tire, nickel finished door handles, sun visor and windshield wiper. Equipped with a rumble seat nestled in the rear, it creates room for two more fortunate guests.
An often-familiar face on touring events, thanks to its trusted 125-horsepower eight-cylinder engine, it would be welcome at many more events in its future, especially CARavan tours, as it is recognized as a Full Classic® by the Classic Car Club of America. Regularly maintained and owned by noted collections, this first year eight-cylinder Pierce-Arrow offers its next owner an opportunity to partake in various events and tours in abundant style.
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