Excellent engineering and legendary quality made Pierce-Arrow a leader in the luxury car market from the beginning, alongside Packard and Peerless. Nevertheless, Pierce-Arrow faced great pressure during the 1920s from other manufacturers, which were beginning to adopt more modern production techniques, thereby reducing their costs. Conversely, while Pierce-Arrow sales were quite good, its low production volume and more traditional, labor-intensive production techniques limited the company’s ability to compete in the rapidly evolving automotive market.

In response, Pierce-Arrow launched the Model 80 in 1924 as a somewhat smaller and less complex companion model to its Dual Valve Six model line. The Model 80 was continuously improved and boasted an advanced, four-wheel, vacuum-powered brake system by 1927. Changes for 1928 were minimal, with the Model 80 renamed Model 81 and further distinguished by smaller headlamps for only one year. In addition, a new emblem, reputedly the Pierce family crest, was displayed on Pierce-Arrow radiators for 1928, until Mrs. Percy Pierce correctly pointed out that it was not the actual crest of the George N. Pierce family. Pierce-Arrow built nearly 5,000 of the technically advanced and very attractive Series 81 models in 1928, and they remain highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The dashing Model 81 Runabout offered here was acquired by Mr. and Mrs. Kughn after many years of ownership by enthusiast Dr. E. Stanley Cope, in whose care it was an AACA Senior National First Prize winner in 1976. Unfortunately, its earlier history is unknown, as it no longer retains its original serial number tag. It is finished in a lovely, period-correct cream with black fenders and green door saddles that match its painted wire wheels, and it is equipped with a proper canvas folding top, a radiator stone guard, “Archer” mascot, dual side-mounted spares, and wide whitewall tires. Wonderful details show in its well-preserved button-tufted brown leather upholstery and the rich interior woodwork, including a steering wheel and dashboard containing Waltham gauges that are free from cracks and wear.

This dashing and exciting “little” Pierce would be a fun automobile for its new owner to enjoy in CCCA and Pierce-Arrow Society activities.