1931 Pierce-Arrow Dual-Cowl Phaeton
Chassis No. 2525010
Engine No. 325501
Specifications
- Engine: 366 cubic inch L-Head Inline 8-Cylinder
- Carburetor: Single Updraft Stromberg
- Power Output: 125 bhp at 3,000 rpm
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
- Suspension: Front and Rear Leaf Springs
- Brakes: 4-Wheel Bendix Mechanical Drum Brakes
Key Highlights
- A distinguished open-top Pierce-Arrow mode
- One of only 14 dual cowl phaetons built in 1931
- Powered by Pierce’s large 8-cylinder engine
- Equipped with rare chromed artillery wheels
- Participated in the Pebble Beach Motoring Classic
The Pierce-Arrow Legacy
Founded in 1901, Pierce-Arrow quickly rose to elite status, becoming synonymous with automotive luxury and prestige. By 1909, the White House had already placed orders for two Pierce-Arrows, cementing the brand’s reputation.
Throughout its history, Pierce-Arrow attracted an impressive roster of royalty, political leaders, and celebrities, including:
- Emperor Hirohito of Japan
- The Shah of Persia
- King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia
- King Albert of Belgium
- U.S. Presidents Woodrow Wilson, William Howard Taft, and Franklin D. Roosevelt
- John D. Rockefeller, Orville Wright, Babe Ruth, and Ginger Rogers
Woodrow Wilson was famously chauffeured around Washington, D.C. in a Presidential Pierce, using the quiet, refined interior to contemplate matters of state without interruption.
By the late 1920s, Pierce-Arrow faced increasing competition in the multi-cylinder luxury market. The company forged an alliance with Studebaker in 1928, leading to the introduction of a new range of straight-eight engines, which doubled sales in 1929.
In 1931, despite only minor aesthetic updates, Pierce-Arrow redesigned its chassis frames, offering three model ranges with various engine displacements and wheelbase lengths. Among them, the Model 42 stood out as the largest and most powerful, featuring a 5,997 cc (366 cubic inch) straight-eight engine—marking Pierce’s definitive shift away from its six-cylinder heritage.
An Exclusive and Elegant Motor Car
Among the 14 dual cowl phaetons produced by Pierce-Arrow in 1931, Chassis 2525010 stands as a superb example of the marque’s refinement, craftsmanship, and exclusivity.
Pierce-Arrow was one of the “Three Ps” of luxury automobiles—alongside Packard and Peerless—offering:
- Understated elegance without excessive ornamentation
- Superior craftsmanship and durability, surpassing most competitors
- Signature fender-mounted headlights, an unmistakable hallmark of the brand
Distinctive Design & Features
- Striking black dual cowl phaeton coachwork
- Elegant chrome hood louvers
- Rare chromed artillery wheels, a highly sought-after option
- Disciplined tan leather interior with a matching tan convertible top
- A covered travel trunk for long-distance touring
- Sturdy, well-constructed windshields and side screens
This was not a car for the flamboyant jazz-age crowd, but rather a serious grand touring automobile, comparable to the Hispano-Suiza—built for long-distance travel rather than mere social display.
Notable Provenance & Pebble Beach History
This Pierce-Arrow Model 42 Dual Cowl Phaeton has an extensive and well-documented ownership history, passing through the hands of multiple distinguished collectors.
Ownership Timeline
- Purchased by Al McEwan (noted West Coast collector) in May 2011
- Acquired from the daughter of a previous owner, whose father had bought it around 2005
- Previously owned by a New Mexico collector, now deceased
- Formerly part of the Wally Rank Collection (1960s-1970s)
- Underwent an earlier restoration, maintaining its exceptional condition
Pebble Beach Motoring Classic
Al McEwan drove Chassis 2525010 in the 2011 and 2012 Pebble Beach Motoring Classic, a 1,500-mile endurance tour from Seattle to Pebble Beach. The Pierce-Arrow completed both tours flawlessly, a testament to its enduring strength and mechanical reliability.
A Rare Opportunity to Own a Pierce-Arrow Masterpiece
With its exquisite craftsmanship, grand touring capability, and prestigious history, this 1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 42 Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton represents:
- One of the most exclusive Pierce-Arrows ever built
- A showcase of timeless pre-war American luxury
- A proven, road-tested classic that remains in exceptional condition
For collectors and enthusiasts seeking a highly desirable open Pierce-Arrow, Chassis 2525010 offers an unmatched combination of rarity, elegance, and mechanical excellence.