Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Co. was in business from 1901 to 1938. During this time, it became known for producing expensive and desirable luxury cars. As did other auto manufacturers, the company suffered losses during the years following the Great Depression. One of its last new cars was the one-year-only 845 that was built in 1935. This once-restored example has been stored in a barn for the past 19 years and has fallen on tough times. Available exclusively here on Barn Finds Classifieds, this classic is in Guthrie Center, Iowa, and is offered for $21,000.
Based in Buffalo, New York, Pierce-Arrow came under the control of Studebaker in 1928. This relationship remained during the rest of the company’s run, giving it access to a dealer network as Pierce-Arrows would be sold at Studebaker outlets. This wasn’t enough to help keep the company afloat, perhaps because Studebaker cars weren’t in the same league as the Pierce-Arrows. The 845 would only see 875 copies produced, according to the seller.
As the story goes, this automobile was purchased from a museum in 1995 and was in excellent condition at that time. After some financial setbacks, the seller retired the Pierce-Arrow to his barn where it fell into disrepair over the years. Both the top and interior will need to be replaced along with some glass. A few body dings have developed as well but the body and paint are said to be in good shape overall. Could you be the right person to bring the once-proud and glorious machine back to the forefront?
Wow. Why so bitter?
Well, at least it’s an actual “barn car.”.
As interest in prewar cars fades, one can only hope somebody steps up for this. The seller has done nothing good for this old girl, shameful, really. I guess to some, it’s mind over matter, if you don’t mind, it don’t matter.
In the 40’s and 50’s this was either considered junk or sat on a used car lot for $50. Never thought it would be that way again for these beauties, but we are headed there. At least the owner didn’t leave it outside.
Aw, c’mon! Not a mention of the mechanics. Not familiar with PA cars, could this be a V12 like an old Seagraves firetruck? Does it run? Just how bad is it?
Chinga, you obviously can’t read, the ad says 8 cylinders
This engine also could have ended up in fire wagon. I think Seagrave bought the design for both motors. I have come across about an equal number of 12s & 8s.
Ok, does it run? Have a V12 like an old Seagraves firetruck?
I think the 8 in the model designation was an indicator of cylinder count. I could be projecting to Pierce as Packard had this method, too. These were already gone by the time we started combing for NOS parts.
Beautiful car. What a shame, what was done to it, actually unbelievable. Hopefully a collector with deep pockets will rescue this American beauty.
Anyone have Jay Lenos email or phone #? 😃
Many more photos would be welcome.
As a person whose Grandpa was a patternmaker for Pierce for over 20 years, it is sinful what has happened to this car.
If I hit the powerball tonight or the casino tomorrow, this might end up as the next project.
I love these. Wish it were closer so I could take a look. I recall a show I saw once about an auto restoration with the actor and car guy Edward Herrmann for I think a late 30s Packard and they painted it a similar period correct though ugly color.
I saw a ’36 Pierce Arrow coupe at the back of a used car lot in the fall ’59/spring ’60. I was 14 and didn’t know what I was looking at except that there was a picture of Lee Remick’s posterior on the ads for ANATOMY OF A MURDER, a courtroom drama of the day, and I quickly did a mental addition of car+drive-in + Remick’s butt while playing with my “erector set.” The car I later learned was not for sale, and in fact belonged to a client of my architect father and an AACA President. He may still own it. I later got to live out the fantasy although with a ’37 Ford V8 coupe and someone other than Ms. Remick. I do however regard myself as totally blessed TOTALLY!
The realities of life can really get in the way of dreams. This is sad, but I hesitate to judge the owner, because we can never inhabit someone else’s situation. Restorations of old cars are only as permanent as the commitment to maintenance can be. I’ve seen many a restored car descend to condition worse than this one.
This splendid Pierce-Arrow can be rescued, if the right person steps in. I hope that happens.
After looking over the photos–This isn’t a 1935 Pierce Arrow. It is a 1934! Some small differences: but, for sure, it’s a 1934!
The car would probably be a joy to restore after it was already restored.
I hope somebody with money will restore it to its original glory and not turn it into a retromod. I am sure when the door closes on this car that it sounds like a vault. The owner needs to take more pictures of the engine, undercarriage, etc. Thank you for showing the car, I was not aware of this model.
.
I wish it was me, but alas! it’s not. Sure hope it finds a good home and caretaker. These cars were legends in their time, stories, poems and songs were written about them. The Great Depression was a terrible time world wide and many manufactures lost their fortunes. My dad and some of my older siblings lived through those times and had many stories to tell. They’re all gone now and soon their memories and stories will pass into oblivion. ;Hard times can fall on anyone at anytime. Who knows why these things happen, why wasn’t the car sold before this happened to it? Plans and desires wane as time passes through our lives, many decisions are made, some good some not so good. All we can do is hope for the best for this once regal machine.
God Bless America
Man, I hope someone saves the old girl. She’s a beauty.
21k is a steal, even with the knackered interior.
Back in 1934 this was a $2500 – $2700 car. That was a lot of money in 1934. Inflation adjusted, that is somewhere between $50,000 and $60,000. Granted new cars lost value once they were no longer new, but somewhere in the big picture, it seems like this one deserves to be restored.