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. Producing what were among the most luxurious cars in the world, the Pierce-Arrow was a status symbol of Hollywood stars, tycoons, and royalty. Pierce-Arrow had the distinction of being the first automobile used by the president of the United States when William Howard Taft ordered two for official state functions in 1909.

Pierce-Arrow may be best remembered as a marque that never compromised during the onset of the Great Depression. When other American luxury brands introduced lower-priced models to contend with the horrid economic conditions, Buffalo’s grand automaker resolutely focused on the same upscale, discerning clientele to which it had catered for 30 years.

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.

One of these icons of early American luxury is offered here for the first time in nearly five decades after purchase from a collector in Rhode Island. Still eminently presentable following an older, comprehensive restoration, it wears a charming period-correct color scheme of a tan body over green fenders with tan and green accents throughout. The exterior sports wonderful period touches like dual, fender-mounted spare tires and the archer hood ornament with recent restoration work by mascot guru Dan Sommer. The luxurious, tan woolen fabric interior presents well overall, particularly the ample front bucket seats.

The car is powered by a 6.0-liter straight eight-cylinder engine mated to a three-speed manual gearbox. Its tan wire wheels wear chrome “Pierce 8” engraved hubcaps and are wrapped in freshly fitted, period-correct Firestone black-wall tires.

Having recently come out of storage, this example may require some light mechanical sorting before touring on Classic Car Club of America CARavans and events.