1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow
Pierce-Arrow was a small manufacturer that produced luxury cars from 1900 through to 1930. Due to a slumping demand in the luxury-car market, Pierce-Arrow made thier last model in 1938. Over the thirty year period, the company managed to manufacture 1938 units.
Of all the Pierce-Arrow model’s made, the Silver Arrow is the most saught-after example. Only five of this limited-edition fastback were produced, making it one of the rarest luxury cars of the 30’s.
Special attention was focused on aerodynamics, down to the wide-angle V12 which allowed for a lower engine bay.
The example featured above was recently offered by the Blackhawk Collection for an asking price of $1 450 000 USD
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| price $ | $10 000 USD |
| engine | Cast Iron, Water Cooled, 80 Degree, V12 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | 2 Side Valves per Cyl |
| displacement | 7566 cc / 461.7 in³ |
| bore | 88.9 mm / 3.5 in |
| stroke | 101.6 mm / 4.0 in |
| compression | 6.1:1 |
| power | 130.5 kw / 175.0 bhp |
| specific output | 23.13 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | bhp per tonne |
| torque | 237.27 nm / 175.0 ft lbs |
| body / frame | Steel over Ladder Frame |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front tires | 7.5×17 |
| rear tires | 7.5×17 |
| front brakes | Drums w/Servo Assist |
| f brake size | x 406 mm / x 16.0 in |
| rear brakes | Drums w/Servo Assist |
| r brake size | x 406 mm / x 16.0 in |
| steering | Cam & Roller |
| f suspension | Rigid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Springs, Shock Absorbers |
| r suspension | Live Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Springs, Shock Absorbers |
| curb weight | 2314 kg / 5101 lbs |
| wheelbase | 3530 mm / 139.0 in |
| front track | 1500 mm / 59.1 in |
| rear track | 1560 mm / 61.4 in |
| transmission | 3-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | 2.83:1, 1.70:1, 1.00:1, :1 |
| final drive | 4.21:1 |
| top speed | ~185.1 kph / 115.0 mph |
Auction Sales History
1933 Pierce Arrow Silver Arrow 2575018 – sold for $2,200,000. The Silver Arrow caused a sensation when it was unveiled at the New York Auto show in January 1933. It was the most daring and radical automobile of its day, giving an unnerving glimpse into the future. The $10,000.00 price tag was humbling as well. The top speed of 115 mph was unbelievable for a car of such size and stature. Only five were built. This car is one of three that survived. Previously part of the Harrah’s Auto Collection from the early 1960s until 1987. It was restored by the world famous Harrah’s facility. Full Harrah’s restoration records. First public auction of a Silver Arrow since 1973. From the Blackhawk Collection. Auction Source: 2012 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction
