The Pierce-Arrow Twelve Convertible Coupe Roadster offered here is a genuine example and is one of only six presently listed with the Pierce-Arrow Society. It was acquired in 1960 by the famed Harrah’s Automobile Collection, of Sparks, Nevada, from John E. Kallstrom, of Portland, Oregon.

It is interesting to note that at the time the car had recorded 24,416 miles, which Mr. Harrah’s technicians noted was “original.” Mr. Kallstrom had the car repainted and re-trimmed, and it received a new top, but it was otherwise unrestored. Fascinating materials in the file document and list correct finishes and trim for the model, including differences from 1933 to 1934, detailed technical information, and discussions of nomenclature with Pierce-Arrow Society historian Bernard Weis.

While the car is presently fitted with a newer serial number plate, the Harrah’s file includes a rubbing off of the original plate, verifying the car’s correct original number is that which it still wears today, along with the original engine and body numbers. The body number of 338-P-17 clearly identifies that the car is an original twelve-cylinder convertible coupe roadster.

The car was sold by Harrah’s in 1981 to Henry Candler, of Denver, Colorado, later passing to John C. May, of High Point, North Carolina, in 1989 and then to Leon Garoyan, of Davis, California. Mr. Garoyan began the Pierce’s professional, body-off restoration in 1995, with a variety of respected artisans participating. The engine was rebuilt by the late, great Eric Rosenau; the beautiful Cream and Maroon paint and assembly were carried out by Larry Munson; and correct red leather upholstery was installed by Ken Nemenick. A set of high-speed gears, believed to have been supplied by Mr. Rosenau, were also installed.

The restored Pierce-Arrow was shown by Mr. Garoyan at the Pierce-Arrow Society’s National Meet in San Diego in 1996. It was later acquired by Fred Smith and then by the Kughn Collection, in which it has been properly maintained and still occasionally shown. It received its AACA Senior First Prize at Hershey in 2007 and its CCCA Senior badge (1979S) at the Michigan Grand Classic in 2008. It was again 1st in Class at the PAS National Meet in 2008 and was judged Best in Class at the 2008 Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles.

Beautifully presented, with wonderful documented history in some of America’s finest collections, this is one of the finest Pierce-Arrow Twelves to come to market in recent memory and will undoubtedly be a star in whatever stable of Full Classics is fortunate enough to hold it.