Lot 204

Hershey 2023

1932 Pierce-Arrow Model 54 Club Sedan

Offered from the Grand Canyon Collection

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$26,400 USD | Sold

United States | Hershey, Pennsylvania

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Chassis No.
1051352
Documents
US Title
  • Highly original; presented in barn-find condition
  • Recent comprehensive mechanical restoration, including full engine rebuild
  • Renowned for innovative design and technology, including fender-mounted headlights and power brakes
  • Recognized as a CCCA Full Classic
  • From the estate of well-regarded American classic car collector Conrad Fletcher

Originally known as Heinz, Pierce and Munschauer, the household goods brand turned to bikes and then automobiles by the turn of the 20th century. With its first production vehicle completed in 1901, the company would rebrand to Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company. Its automobiles would bear the distinction of being the first official vehicles used by the White House, during the William Howard Taft administration in 1909.

A forerunner in the development of safety technology, Pierce-Arrow pioneered features such as power braking, as well as significant early experiments in light alloy construction, aerodynamics, and power steering. By its closure in 1938, the brand would be regarded as one of the premier American motor car producers.

The Model 54 was offered in three distinct body styles for 1932: the Brougham, Convertible Sedan, and Club Sedan. Each featured a 125-horsepower, 366-cubic-inch inline eight-cylinder engine coupled with a four-speed manual transmission. Most notably, it also came equipped with four-wheel Bendix Duo-Servo mechanical drum brakes, groundbreaking equipment for the time.

This Model 54 Club Sedan is a true barn find, which hides a unique secret under the hood. Purchased new in Northern California, it would be sold to John Parks in 1938, who after thoroughly enjoying the car, parked it in storage by 1952 with approximately 82,000 miles on the odometer. Not until 2016 would the Pierce be acquired by its most recent owner, still in cosmetically untouched and outstandingly intact condition. Since that point, its inline eight-cylinder has been fully rebuilt, along with the transmission, fuel and water pumps, and starter, according to detailed logs of work performed under current ownership. Other critical parts, such as the U-joints, radiator, and brake cables were also cleaned and greased. The result is a fully drivable, exceedingly original Pierce.

Now being offered from the estate of the well-regarded American classic car collector Conrad Fletcher, this Model 54 Club Sedan is ready for its next chapter. A Classic Car Club of America Full Classic, tour-ready barn finds such as this are rarely found and would make an eye-opening statement upon arrival or passing at speed during the next CCCA CARavan.