Lot 113

Hershey 2011

1917 Pierce-Arrow Model 38 C-4 Open-Front French Brougham

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$66,000 USD | Sold

United States | Hershey, Pennsylvania

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Chassis No.
38450

415 cu. in. inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, solid axle suspension with leaf springs, and rear-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 134"

- Offered from the Estate of John O’Quinn

- Formerly owned by several noted collectors, including D. Cameron Peck

- Remarkably original condition

- Featured on the cover of Mark Ralston’s The Golden Days of Pierce-Arrow

The Model 38 was Pierce-Arrow’s six-cylinder offering, powered by a 415-cubic inch inline engine with massive internal dimensions. It rode on a large 134-inch wheelbase chassis, nearly eight inches longer than archrival Packard’s Twin Six.

A late-production Model 38, barely 250 units from the end of production, this Open-Front French Brougham was one of the most expensive Model 38s offered for 1917. Originally sold to F. Robert Greene in Boston, it remained in his family until acquired by “Sully” Garganino, a legendary Boston-area enthusiast who amassed an outstanding collection of the finest luxury marques. Next, D. Cameron Peck, the noted collector, former AACA President and pioneering SCCA leader, acquired it from Mr. Garganino. The next owner was the late Mark Ralston, who used the Pierce as the cover subject of his book, The Golden Days of Pierce-Arrow. Mr. Ralston sold the Pierce in about 1993 to Patrick Craig of Stockton, California, who retained it until early 2004, when Harry Clark acquired it with the odometer showing only about 16,700 miles. The current owner acquired it in August 2005.

The car remains remarkably original, with its original black paint displaying the patina that only 94 years of care can produce. The blue brocade interior (with black leather in the chauffeur’s compartment) is likewise completely original. Interior features include a roll-up division window, jump seats and roller window shades in the rear compartment. One of the “Three Ps of Luxury,” Pierce-Arrows are among the most desirable American collector cars on the market. This example offers entry into that exclusive group of enthusiasts and a roster of distinguished previous caretakers at a very attractive price point.