In contrast to its rivals Peerless and Packard, which introduced a V-8 and V-12, respectively, in 1916, Pierce-Arrow held firm to tried-and-true inline six-cylinder power through 1927 . . . and what a six it was! Except for the smaller, lighter, and less expensive Model 80 introduced in 1925, Pierce-Arrow’s trademark sixes were large and powerful T-head designs, with four valves per cylinder and dual ignition systems. They held true to a grand tradition of outstanding engineering and robust performance, and they made these some of the greatest American automobiles of their era.

The 1924 Model 33 Seven-Passenger Touring offered here was sold decades ago by Randal Shaffer of New Castle, Pennsylvania, to Barney Pollard. To longtime enthusiasts in the Detroit area, Mr. Pollard’s name requires no introduction. One of the first true “antique car collectors,” he began filling his Motor City warehouses with Brass and Classic Era automobiles that no one wanted in the 1930s, actually stacking many of them on-end in order to conserve space. Over the years, his vast hoard was featured many times in popular magazines and newspapers, making him, in his time, one of the most famous collectors in America. By the time that most of his cars were auctioned in the 1970s, he owned around 1,200 automobiles, most of which he can be credited with saving from scrap drives and junkyards. Many have since been restored and are now part of some of the world’s great collections.

This Pierce-Arrow has been in the Pollard Family for decades and was restored for the current owners, with crimson bodywork accented by black moldings and fenders. The interior is upholstered in black leather with red carpets, with a pair of folding jump seats of sturdy construction and a jaunty accessory windshield in the rear compartment, making it ideal for parades and family use. The car rides on four wooden artillery wheels, with dual rear-mounted spares, giving it an especially sporting and lengthy appearance.

Recognized as a Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America, this Model 33 of wonderful provenance would be an ideal choice for CCCA shows and activities, as well as for events of the Pierce-Arrow Society.