The Big Pierce-Arrow Convertible Coupe

This is a good, solid decent car, with the big Straight 8 Engine, Sidemounts, Archer hood ornament, 3 speed transmission and wire wheels.

Those fender mounted headlamps are fantastic! The profile of this car defines the idea of what a classic car should be – with generous proportions,  radiator that sits just slightly aft of the axle, a nice long hood with door louvers, sidemounts, and no overhang save for the bumpers and trunk rack.

The Pierce-Arrow triple tailights show up here, as does the very beautiful and complex curve of the rear body .  This car also has a rumbleseat, which we’ll see a few photos later.

A better view of the trunk rack and bumper.

Very Dramatic.

The tires have 99% tread, but they’re pretty old tires.  This car is a time warp in a way, it reminds me of the cars that were popping up in the earliest days of the Classic Car hobby – a decent, solid, running and driving car, but one with a number of cosmetic needs.

Here’s the Piece-Arrow Archer, and the radiator shell – you’ll note some chrome peeling & pitting on the shell.

Parking lamps and horns

Nice detail of the sidemounts.  Note the sidemount clamp at the bottom, an interesting feature.

The Front Suspension.  Note the drum type hydraulic shocks and mechanical brake lever.

Here’s the rumbleseat.  Donations are solicited to the “save the Nauga” society to atone for all that Naugahyde!

Lets think about the driver’s compartment for a while – that steering wheel is an excellent original – no cracks, beautiful smooth finish. the dash and instruments are complete and in good shape, with all of the instruments working except the gas guage.  This car looks like it’s always been a decent car, together, and complete.  As you can see, it needs new seats and carpeting.  Right now.

Close up of the instruments.

Another view of the interior. note the chrome plated doorjamb – it runs from the bottom to the top to give the structure stability.

Another doorjamb shot.  In my opinion the body wood is in good shape.  The doors hang well, and the landau iron snaps closed as it is supposed to.  That landau iron test is an important one,  if the body structure is weak, it will not stay closed.  These landau irons stay nice and tight,  indicating both solid body wood and sound top bows.

Here are the top bows, in good shape with all hardware and latches.

Here’s the top down.  the top fabric is thrashed and should be replaced.

Here’s the straight 8 Cylinder Pierce Arrow engine, with rebuilt water pump and new water jacket.  It runs very nicely, smooth, and good power.  I noticed a noise that sounds like piston slap when it’s cold, it goes away when it’s warmed up.  We think this engine was rebuilt under a former owner’s regime, but no proof to that effect.  The bore and stroke were 3 1/2″ by 4 3/4″, adding up to 366 cubic inches. With a 5:1 compression ratio and engine speed of 3200 rpm, this straight eight developed 125 hp when it was new.

Here’s the intake and exhaust side.  Somebody porcelainized that manifold a while back.  the carburetor is a Stromberg UU2.   Also note the mechanical fuel pump.

We just let it run while taking the photos. It seemed totally happy,  ran cool, and in general acted nicely.

UU2 Carburetor Detail.

The Engine number.  the A-XXXX engine numbers were only used in 1929.

some more engine bay detail.

The door gap is wide at the bottom rear of the door.  They hang straight, though.

Here’s the driver’s door.

Here’s a nice view with the rumbleseat open.