Pierce-Arrow of Buffalo, New York was once considered one of the top three builders of luxury cars. The company was one of the three Ps; the other two being Peerless and Packard. As the decade of the 1920s evolved Cadillac and Lincoln began to overtake the traditional leaders in the marketplace.

By 1931, Pierce-Arrow had long established its sterling reputation as one of the finest manufacturers of premier motorcars in the country and announced the Model 41, 42 and 43. In 1928, the company merged with Studebaker in part to help fund new models as well as projects like a new straight-eight engine. Even as the Great Depression was felt across the country, Pierce-Arrow remained as focused as ever on selling exclusive luxury automobiles like the Model 54, which sold for prices in excess of $3,000. At that time a contemporary Ford Model B could be had for less than a sixth of that.

This 1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 42 Convertible Coupe is a beautiful older restoration that is still sound enough to show. Finished in light blue with dark blue fenders and body accents, it has dark blue wheels with chrome hubcaps and lock rings, wide whitewall tires, a tan cloth convertible top, dark blue leather interior, dual sidemount spare wheels with mirrors, stainless steel radiator stoneguard, dual horns, dual running lights, single Pilot Ray lamp, Pierce-Arrow Archer radiator mascot, golf bag door, rumbleseat and rear-mounted trunk on a trunk rack. Under the hood is Pierce-Arrow’s 132 horsepower, 385 cubic inch straight-eight coupled to a three-speed manual. This Pierce-Arrow has been lightly driven, and is still gorgeous and presentable enough for shows. As a strong example from one of the most respected names in the history of the American automobile, it is an appealing choice for classic tours. The Classic Car Club of America lists all Pierce-Arrow automobiles from 1925-up as Full Classics.