Of the numerous remarkable automobiles in Richard Roy’s collection, few are as spectacular as this 1916 Pierce-Arrow. Remarkably, given its 74-horsepower T-head single-cylinder engine and 132-inch-wheelbase chassis, this was actually the “baby” Pierce-Arrow of its time. In typical Pierce fashion, it is exquisitely and solidly built, with numerous brass accessories on a cast aluminum body, the panels of which swing closed like the proverbial bank vault.

An interesting touch is the pair of freestanding front seats, early “buckets” with an aisle in-between through which passengers can step. Freestanding headlights, a no-cost optional feature, indicate that the car was probably originally delivered in New York, where Pierce-Arrow’s trademark “fender lights” were not legal for many years. The car is identified in Pierce-Arrow Society rosters and records as being serial number 37465; the engine crankcase is stamped 8060, and the frame cross-member below the driver’s floorboard is numbered 2803.

Mr. Roy acquired the Pierce-Arrow in 1997 from longtime owner Wally Midura, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, through their mutual friends Bob Whitaker and Jim Carpenter. Mr. Midura had acquired the car from Edward J. Phinney, who owned the Pierce-Arrow as early as 1951. Both Mr. Midura and Mr. Phinney were longtime AACA and HCCA members who were very active in East Coast Brass Era events and known for the many fine automobiles that they owned. Indeed, a badge inside the front passenger’s door indicates that the car was shown at the Pierce company’s centennial in 1978. A bill of sale on file indicates that the car had previously been owned by the legendary Stutz collector, A.K. Miller, he of the infamous 1996 estate sale billed as the opening of “King Stutz Tomb.”

The car is wonderfully original, including the vast majority of its maroon body paint and tan striping, all of which shows gentle patina and wear but is far too good to consider replacing. All four fenders appeared to have been repainted quite some time ago, and the top erected over it all also appears to be a very old replacement. The nickel trim throughout is fine and would respond to a good polishing, and, most thoroughly, it appears to be complete down to the original side lights, mirrors, and dashboard trim. Remarkably, the leather interior is still wholly intact, original, and very usable, with the front seat and lower rear cushion still being protected by original fitted cotton summer covers, installed in the early years of the Pierce’s life.

Mechanically, the Model 38-C-4 is solid but requires, like many of Mr. Roy’s automobiles, servicing before taking to the road. The only major issue under the hood appears to be one of the manifolds, which has rusted heavily and will require replacement. Correct braided wiring is visible throughout the engine compartment. Westinghouse air shocks, a popular period accessory, are fitted both front and rear, and side-mounted spares are hung off the body to the right of the driver, under soft covers. A trunk is fitted to the rack at the rear. The instruments in the dashboard are clear and attractive.

The file for the car includes copies of the aforementioned PAS ownership documentation, as well as a valuable original “Care and Operation” manual for the Model 38-C-4, original catalogues for the earlier Models 38-C-2 and 38-C-3, and some correspondence and photographs relating to the car from over the years.

Few Brass Era Pierce-Arrows are blessed with this wonderful automobile’s originality, authenticity, and honesty. It is as it has been for its entire life. Long treasured by knowledgeable and enthusiastic collectors, it is one of the pride and joys of the Roy Collection and will certainly continue to be so in the hands of its next caretaker.