1930 Pierce-Arrow Model B

This 1930 Pierce-Arrow Model B Convertible Coupe is a wonderfully luxurious pre-war convertible and is certified by the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) as a Full Classic. From modest mid-19th Century origins, few could have expected a small Buffalo-based birdcage and ice box manufacturer would become one of the most distinguished pre-War automobile builders who still today has left a lasting legacy of design on automotive design in the United States and across the globe. At the turn of the 20th century, Pierce-Arrow was renowned for its technological advancements, high-end build quality, and iconic design, highlighted by the iconic fender-embedded headlight that was patented by the company in 1913 and would eventually become the universal standard in the US by the 1940s. However, by the late 20s, Pierce-Arrow had slipped behind its rivals Cadillac and Packard with regards to technological innovation, specifically in the fact that both Cadillac and Packard were selling 8 cylinder engines whereas P-A only offered a 6 cylinder engine. In 1928, after facing months of financial trouble Pierce-Arrow sold to Studebaker making the combined companies the 4th largest American auto group. Despite the merger, Pierce-Arrow seemed to operate independently from its lower-priced parent company. Then in 1929, the company released the Pierce-designed straight 8, leading what appeared to be a resurgence in sales at Pierce-Arrow and the best sales year in the companys history. Coming off this massive success, Pierce-Arrow released 3 new models, with 3 different engines, on 4 different wheelbases for the 1930 model year, comprising 18 distinct body styles. In retrospect, there were far too many choices in a time where the company would have been better off keeping its offerings simple and limited, due to Depression-induced financial uncertainty and likely a shrinking customer base. While Pierce-Arrows momentum was slowed by the onset of the Great Depression, sales still remained fairly strong in 1930 with total production sitting a tad shy of 7,000 cars. Due to its status as a fine and distinctive automobile, the Classic Car Club of America has designated this 1930 Pierce-Arrow as a Full Classic meaning that its eligible to participate at CCCA events and CARavans. This particular Pierce-Arrow Convertible Coupe comes to us from a prominent museum collection where it was well maintained. Powering this 30 Pierce-Arrow Convertible Coupe is a 366 cubic inch L-Head Inline 8 cylinder engine fed by a single 2 barrel Stromberg updraft carburetor that together were rated at 125 horsepower from the factory. The 366 CID Straight 8 is mated to a 3 speed manual transmission that is shifted with a floor-mounted shifter. Exhaust exits this Pierces power plant via a single exhaust port, generating a surprisingly quiet rumble out the rear as is often touted by Pierce-Arrow enthusiasts. For an early 30s pre-war automobile, this Model B Convertible Coupe is well-optioned. A rear-mounted luggage rack makes this Pierce-Arrow a wonderful choice for overnight CARavans since you can bring along your belongings. Riding on a set of wide whitewall tires mounted on optional wire wheels and accented with chrome hubcaps, this Pierce Arrow Convertible Coupe has a truly upscale look. Further adding to high-end look of this Pierce-Arrow are dual side-mounted spare tires available should you need them, and each are topped with optional side mirrors that provide improved visibility down the sides of this CCCA Full Classic. The tan cloth convertible top comes outfitted with a glass rear window and, like all convertibles in this era, its raised and lowered by hand. Supplementing the iconic Pierce-Arrow fender-embedded headlights are a pair of auxiliary fog lamps that provide additional visibility in low light driving. The exterior of this Model B Convertible Coupe has a wonderfully sporty look, comprised of a Crimson Red painted body and louvered hood, with black accents and red pinstripes contrasted by the black painted fenders with red edge piping. The interior of this 1930 Pierce-Arrow Model B Convertible Coupe is also quite luxurious. The front seat along with the rear rumble seat have been refurbished in medium tan upholstery. The matching door panels, wooden trim, black carpeting, steering wheel, and woodgrain-trimmed dash all retain a nice stock appearance on this wonderful pre-war Classic. Instrumentation includes a rotary-style speedometer, temperature gauge, amp gauge, oil pressure gauge, and gasoline gauge, as well as a clock by Waltham. The dash is finished off with various other vehicle controls as well as a couple of chrome map lights. Whether youre buying your very first classic car or youre a card carrying CCCA member whos looking to add a great driver to their stable of Full Classics, this 1930 Pierce-Arrow Model B Convertible Coupe would make a great choice. Give Ellingsons call today at 763-428-7337!