Along with its competitors Packard and Peerless, (“The Three Ps”), the Pierce-Arrow became a leading force in American luxury automobiles during their production run from 1901 to 1938. Pierce-Arrow is renowned for its engineering innovations, including the use of advanced lubrication systems and lightweight aluminum components. The company prioritized smooth performance, dependability, and driver comfort, setting high standards of quality in the automotive industry. In 1905, Pierce-Arrow won the demanding 1,100-mile Glidden Tour, which ran from New York through New England and back, scoring an impressive 996 points out of 1,000. This win not only garnered significant national attention but it solidified Pierce-Arrow’s reputation for high-performance, reliable cars. It would be the first of many victories for the marque, which went on to secure more Glidden Trophy awards than any other manufacturer.

Introduced in 1909, the Model 48SS quickly became one of Pierce-Arrow’s flagship and most successful offerings. It exemplified Pierce-Arrow’s commitment to excellence and reflected the elegance and advanced engineering of the era.

While little is known about its early history, this 1911 Pierce-Arrow Model 48SS was acquired by Monty Holmes of Seattle, Washington in the 1960s. Mr. Holmes was a member of the Horseless Carriage Club of America’s (HCCA) Pacific Northwest Region, and had owned a 1911 Pierce-Arrow Model Y, when he discovered and purchased this Model 48SS in the Southwest and trailered it home. Bodied as a formal Vestibule Sedan, the car was complete except for a missing door.

Around the 1970s, the Pierce-Arrow was sold to fellow HCCA member Ernest Crutcher in an unrestored state. Mr. Crutcher decided to restore the Model 48 in the 1970s and modify it to a more sporting configuration. After removing the sedan coachwork, he built a high-quality replica Roadster body and then shortened the Model 48’s chassis in order to fit the smaller, sportier coachwork. In addition to its beautiful presence, the Pierce-Arrow has also proven itself mechanically. Following its conversion, Mr. Crutcher drove it in HCCA events for years. Following the consignor’s purchase in 2021, he entrusted the Pierce-Arrow to noted vintage automobile restorer Robin Onsein to perform substantial mechanical work, documented by receipts on file. The work included the addition of a convenient electric starter, a reliable, coil-based ignition, and the installation of a Schebler carburetor. The consignor has since participated in several Mozart-Travis Tours, with the sporting Roadster performing well in all.

This superb 1911 Pierce-Arrow Model 48SS Roadster is a testament to the creativity and craftmanship of American automotive engineers in the early 20th century, and will be an ideal choice for any and all Brass Era tours and activities held by the Horseless Carriage Club of America.