The Fourth Series Pierce-Arrows introduced in 1916 offered subtle improvements over their predecessors and were received enthusiastically by their elite market. Their level of refinement masked the dramatic changes taking place at Pierce-Arrow. The company was floated on the stock market that year, bringing in $10.7 million in proceeds, but New York financiers led by John Jay Jr., a partner in Seligman & Company, took control. Many of the managers and designers who had been with the company since its days as the George N. Pierce Company began to leave, marking the Fourth Series Pierce-Arrows as the ultimate refinement of the products and standards which established the Pierce-Arrow reputation.

The Model 38 was the most affordable offering, positioning that clearly indicated the automaker’s strict focus on the luxury market. Powered by a 415-cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine with 4.0-inch bore and 5.5-inch stroke and constructed from the finest materials, the Model 38 rode upon a stately 134-inch wheelbase chassis, 7.5 inches longer than a Packard Twin Six.

The example offered here is one of 14 known surviving Model 38-C-4 touring cars and fewer still of the five-passenger configuration, with its distinctive individual front seats creating a “walk-through” interior. It is believed to have a known history back to the 1930s, when it was reportedly owned by two brothers who operated a livery service in Providence, Rhode Island. At the beginning of World War II, it was put into storage and remained hidden until the 1960s, when it was discovered and purchased by Laurent Dionne of Warren, Rhode Island. Mr. Dionne sold it in the late 1980s to renowned Brass Era automobile collector, Manny Souza of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, who undertook a meticulous full restoration.

Well-known enthusiast Jan Voboril later acquired the car from Mr. Souza, before it was purchased for the present collection in 2017. Finished in deep carmine red with black fenders and tan leather interior, it has been well-preserved by its caretakers and aside from some wear to the top and signs of use to the engine compartment, its finishes remain in very good condition inside and out. Inspection shows that the original engine is present, as well as the original chassis, properly numbered on the center cross-member, and the original serial-number tag on its aluminum bodywork, which in turn retains the original body number casting on the firewall. A Pierce-badged Motometer, horn, and Westinghouse air shocks are wonderful additions, while a set of side curtains is included.

Tempting as a choice for Pierce-Arrow Society events or as an exceptionally early Classic Car Club of America Full Classic for CARavans or simply to enjoy driving about a future “Hershey,” this is a wonderful big, bold Pierce, with abundant power and torque on a scale to match. It has personality in spades.