Pierce-Arrow may be best remembered as a marque that never compromised. While other great names of the Classic Era introduced new lower-priced models to counter the Great Depression, Buffalo’s grand automaker resolutely focused on the same upscale, discerning clientele to which it had catered to for 30 years. The company’s cars continued to be impeccably engineered. They were beautifully designed and constructed in every way, just as they had been in the heady pre-Depression days when everyone from Fatty Arbuckle to Woodrow Wilson could be found in one.

As with many American automakers, the company’s 1933 models blended the last of upright 1920s design with a welcome hint of Streamline Moderne. Headlights were smoothly blended into the curve of the fenders, and the radiator was now angled at a sporty rake. Pierce-Arrows for 1933 were the first American production car to boast power brakes, using a Stewart-Warner system similar to Rolls-Royce’s, and it was the first production car anywhere to have hydraulic tappets under the hood.

This Model 836 Club Sedan is offered by its long-time owner, a well-known enthusiast of the marque who has restored two Pierce-Arrows, both of which have been award winners at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

This Club Sedan was acquired as an excellent original car that had a desirable factory-installed full leather interior, which had markings on the back of the rear seat that indicated that its original delivery was in Chicago. The car was beautifully and fully restored, down to the last nut and bolt, in the factory colors of Silver and Chateau Gray. In every detail, only total authenticity and accuracy was acceptable, with the only deviation being the installation of high-speed rear axle gears, to improve the car’s touring capabilities.

Following its restoration, the car began an all-conquering tour of nationwide concours. It was awarded Best of Show – American at the Keels & Wheels Concours, followed by Best in Class at a CCCA Grand Classic, the Director’s Award at the CCCA Museum Grand Experience, 100 points at the CCCA Grand Classic in Dearborn, Third in Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and Best of Show at the Oklahoma City Concours—all in 2006! That incredible roster of awards led the car to be highlighted by Dennis Adler in the August 2006 issue of Car Collector, where it was featured in an article that lauded its condition and its ability to go up against the finest convertibles and one-off coachbuilt classics and win!

This Club Sedan has been continually maintained by its owner in excellent operating condition, and it is in all likelihood one of the finest factory-bodied Pierce-Arrows in existence today. Few have had such an outstanding restoration or have accumulated such a winning record. It is a superb car.