1933 Pierce-Arrow Twelve

A one-off creation believed to have been built by Pierce-Arrow as a show car
Long-term ownership in the Frank Kleptz collection from 1980-2021
Comprehensively restored by Bill Spoerle, former head of the IMS Museums restoration department
Impressive and commanding singular stature paired with 12-cylinder performance

Introduced for the 1932 model year, the Pierce-Arrow Twelve represented the pinnacle of the companys engineering and luxury at a time when Americas finest automakers were competing to build the most refined automobiles in the world. Powered by a smooth 462-cubic-inch V-12 engine, the new flagship offered noted performance while maintaining the quiet operation and exceptional craftsmanship for which Pierce-Arrow had become renowned. The Twelve quickly became the centerpiece of the companys lineup, appearing in a wide range of elegant factory body styles and being prominently displayed at major automobile salons and auto shows to showcase Pierce-Arrows continued innovation and prestige. Although production lasted only through 1938, the Pierce-Arrow Twelve remains one of the most admired and prestigious American Classic automobiles built.

A commanding automobile with intriguing history, this 1933 Pierce-Arrow Twelve Daytona Phaeton is in a league of its own, as its believed to be a one-off creation by the factory intended to be a show car. The earliest known photo of this example dates back to the 1960s, which depicts it in this body style. Previous owners believe the factory commissioned this example as a backup if the famed Silver Arrow Pierce car was not built in time, though no evidence of this is present. While there are differing views as if this automobile started life as a closed car or not, before its current one-off style was crafted, the distinctive body is believed to have been carried out by LeBaron.

Before being acquired by its long-term owner in the 1980s, it was under the care of noted Pierce-Arrow expert and founder of Cars & Parts magazine, George Slankard. Restored to concours standards, the restoration was completed by the late Bill Spoerle. Globally known, Spoerle was a noted Indy-based car builder and mechanic who would become the head of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museums restoration department. Bills work has been admired and has garnered top honors around the world.

In the 1980s, this example would find a new home in the Frank Kleptz Collection in Terre Haute, Indiana. A noted collector, The Kleptz Collection was comprised of various rare automobiles, which included an experimental 1963 Chrysler Turbine car. Under his care, the Pierce was exhibited at various events, such as the 2002 Meadow Brook Concours dElegance. Admired in his museum-like setting in Indiana, this Pierce would stay within the collection until 2021 when it was sold alongside the rest of the cars.

Showcasing an equal blend of elegance and sporting bliss, this example displays the hallmark features of the Pierce brand, such as the integrated headlights in the front fenders and steel artillery wheels with unique chrome center spokes. Draped in a charming red with gold accents that run the belt line, the paint shows signs of mellowing since its restoration was completed. A full four-passenger automobile, rich burgundy leather is inlaid throughout and features a nicely restored instrument cluster and woodgrain dash.

Equally as impressive as its stature, is its powerplant. Under the hood lies a 462-cubic-inch V-12 engine that produces 175 horsepower, an impressive amount of power thatll be more than enough to enjoy on various collector car tours.

An imposing and marvelous Pierce-Arrow that has lived an intriguing life, this remarkable example combines one-off coachwork, a restoration from one of the best in the business, noted ownership history, and effortless 12-cylinder performance in a package that places it in a league of its own.