Most automobile manufacturers were still in clover in 1928, which was the calm before the Great Depression’s storm. Pierce-Arrow, of Buffalo, New York, was not, and it remained in poor financial health. Clearly, new models were needed, but with little money available for their development, the short-term solution was a “business alliance” with cash-rich Studebaker, whose president, Albert Erskine, had long desired to offer a true luxury model.

Although the deal that the two firms worked out was officially called a “merger,” it was actually more of an acquisition of Pierce-Arrow by Studebaker. Nonetheless, Studebaker put its money fully behind a new Pierce-Arrow model, enabling the development of the company’s first eight-cylinder engine, a replacement for its long-lived six, in the process.

The new engine, which debuted in 1929, was a breakthrough, as it weighed some 100 pounds less than the big T-head six that it replaced, and it offered 25 percent more power from a 12 percent smaller displacement. It was even less expensive, with prices beginning at $2,775. This allowed for Pierce-Arrow quality to be offered to a broader market in no fewer than 12 body styles. Sales of the company’s cars reached 8,000 units in 1929, but sadly, that was an accomplishment never to be repeated.

The Tonneau Cowl Phaeton offered here has been part of the renowned collection of Richard and Linda Kughn for several years. It was restored in its previous ownership in this striking color combination of cream and black—colors which match an identical car featured in 1929 Pierce-Arrow advertising. As one would expect of such a sporty model, it is lavished in accessories, including the traditional Pierce archer mascot, painted wire wheels, wind wings, dual horns, dual driving lights, wide whitewall tires, dual side-mounted spares, and a canvas-covered trunk.

While in the Kughns’ ownership, this car was quite the showstopper within their collection. It was displayed in Classic Car Club of America competition at the Michigan Grand Classic in 2008, where it was judged at 99 points in the Primary division. In August 2009, it again made an appearance, this time at the Pierce-Arrow Gathering at Gilmore, where it was awarded Director’s Choice. Following these successes, it was the subject of a feature article in the November/August 2009 issue of Torque.

This car is a landmark Pierce-Arrow in its sportiest guise, and it would be a splendid addition to any collection of fine CCCA Classics.