From its humble beginnings building bird cages, the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company of Buffalo, New York, grew into one of the most respected and renowned automakers in America during the early 20th century. As the 1930s progressed, welcome hints of Streamline Moderne and Art Deco design schools were introduced and blended with the classic upright 1920s style. Pierce-Arrow’s iconic headlights blended effortlessly into the curve of the fenders, with the soaring radiator mounted at a sporting rake emblazoned with a gilded archer hood ornament.

The car offered here is one of just five known surviving 836 coupes recorded by the Pierce-Arrow Society. While the car is currently fitted with a new serial number plate bearing number 2360225, the original serial number was 1071041, as noted in both the PAS rosters and in a handwritten note included on the file that also lists the engine number.

It is believed that the car was purchased from a Dr. Grant Pennoyer of New York City by William Crawford White, who later moved with it to Newtown, Connecticut. A service log on file records handwritten services from 1946 to 1953, and indicates that it was in the Cleveland, Ohio, area by that time. The car was registered in 1958 to Edward C. Dudley of Euclid, then to Marilyn H. Rockwood of nearby Parma, who sold it to fellow resident John P. Schlifer in April 1963. Mr. Schlifer owned the Pierce-Arrow for nearly 30 years, before selling it to Robert Brown of Hinckley, Ohio, in July 1992. It was cosmetically and mechanically restored for its new owner by Shade Tree Motorcars of Medina; some invoices and photographs from the work are included in the history file. Mr. Brown retained the Pierce-Arrow for many years.

Further restoration work was undertaken for the present family of owners in 2022, with invoices on file for the cosmetic and mechanical sorting involved. Boldly eye-catching in its subtly metallic burgundy finishes, the car is accessorized with correct, pressed-steel artillery wheels, including dual side-mounted spares with hard covers and mirrors; dual driving lights; and an accessory trunk rack, aft of the rumble seat. The black interior nicely matches the padded roof, which is correct and gives the car a charming, convertible-like appearance. Overall the car would be a most charming addition to any Pierce lover’s collection.