1931 Other Makes Model 43

7 Passenger Sedan

366 ci. Eight

1501761

Clear

OVERVIEW: This is a very original and fairly complete 137” wheelbase Pierce-Arrow. It has had some work and attention paid to its chassis and drivetrain, and we suspect the engine is in running order, although no recent attempt has been made to start it. To be returned to its original state as an elegant 7-passenger sedan it will require significant wood work and upholstery reconstruction. Another option is that it would yield up a significant amount of good original parts to assist in some other restoration of a similar Pierce Arrow automobile. As a third consideration, and perhaps the most tingling to the senses, providing you don’t worry about other peoples definition of sacrilege, it could lend itself to the building of a period speedster, racer, or custom bodied project. It is registered in the 2013 Roster of The Pierce-Arrow Society as a 1931 Model 43 Sedan (137-M-213), with serial # 1501761, and engine # 227040. This is an estate sale. The owner acquired the car out of California in 2008 and had started to do some work and make some wood pieces. Overall it appears that this car suffered mostly from years of poor storage and exposure, with the worst victims being the wood and upholstery. CHASSIS: This 7-passenger sedan rides on a 137” wheelbase, and has its original wood spoke wheels, which appear as nice and very solid originals. The 19” tires hold air but are old and age cracked. The original serial number tag is still present on the right frame rail. The frame appears to have been cleaned and painted from the bell housing back. It also appears to be straight, and totally solid, with no weak or repaired areas. It does not appear that there was ever any serious rust or corrosion on the frame or components as the metal appears quite smooth and free of any pitting. Front suspension and steering components all appear original and encased in the dirt and grime of its miles and years. Both front leaf springs are originals with their sheath covers. The left rear spring is also a sheathed original, the right appears as a replacement. The rear knee action Delco Lovejoy shocks are still connected to their links but have been unbolted from the frame. The rear diff housing and backing plates have all been cleaned of road dirt and grime. All mechanical brake linkages and rods appear to be functional with new clevis and cotter pins evident, as well as new return springs. Everything appears correct and in good condition, and as original equipment. The exhaust system appears in good order. The gas tank has been removed, cleaned and painted, along with the mounting straps. DRIVETRAIN: The engine appears to be the original 366 ci., nine main bearing Pierce Arrow inline 8 cylinder rated at 125 hp. It is intact with all related peripheral components in place and appearing as originals. Delco-/Remy components are distributor 660-P, generator 927-L, starter 7280, and the carb is a Stromberg UUR. All hoses (with modern clamps), belts and wiring are also in place and appear in operational condition. Nothing appears to be missing and the only thing not connected is the fuel lines to and from the fuel pump. A tin can with hose hangs from the hood rod above and the line goes to the carb. There is some new wire and terminals at the coil, distributor, and generator, and a toggle switch mounted and wired at the steering column. All these elements lead us to believe that the engine was running. This would also suggest the gas tank was made ready for installation and service. All drivetrain components from the bell housing back appear to have been cleaned, serviced and painted, if not fully restored. This includes the free-wheeling transmission, u-joints and driveshaft, and rear differential. From all indications and appearances this chassis and drivetrain may not be far from being a running and drivable unit. The odometer is in position of just rolling over to 35,000 miles, and as that may possibly be original miles, as we suspect, there would not be severe wear on mechanical hard parts. BODY & PAINT: The body and paint on this car are all original with no evidence of previous repairs or repaint. The wooden body structure was severely deteriorated. The upper wood portions as well as the lowers are basically gone. As a result, the center door posts are loosely held in place, and the right one was only propped into position for the pictures. The wood in the doors actually fared much better. The owner salvaged what he could for patterns and had fabricated a number of hardwood pieces for one side, which he painted black. He had also made some softwood pattern pieces for the main upper rails. Overall the body and sheet metal are very straight. There are a few minor dents on the 4 fenders, and a dent in the left rear body corner, but no rust out or rot on the fenders or the lower rear body tub. The 4 hood panels, cowl sides, front and rear splash pans, side aprons and doors are all very straight. Apart from surface rust as seen, the only areas that show any rust thru or rot are the very bottoms of the right cowl and doors, more so the front one. All other sheet metal appears quite solid. There are 3 metal floor pans, the small front one is replicated from the original which was rusted, the larger center and rear pan sections are the originals cleaned and painted. INTERIOR: The interior is badly deteriorated, though much of the original hardware is still present. BRIGHTWORK: What you see on the car in the pics is all there is for exterior brightwork. The car is missing its hood ornament, original headlamp lenses and reflectors, hubcaps, and tail lamp. The headlamps have sealed beam conversions installed. SUMMARY: Since the owners passing 2 years ago, little is known about the car beyond what is presented herein. It comes with a California title. Included with the car is several years of newsletters and rosters of the Pierce-Arrow Society, along with issues of their glossy publication ‘The Arrow’. If you are a brave soul with wood working skills, you may want to undertake its restoration. If you are restoring a similar Pierce-Arrow and need a good parts car, this may fit. If you’ve always wanted to build a period racer or custom speedster with a higher end classic chassis, here you go! A big strong 8 cylinder from one of the premier and distinctive auto makers of the day. This always collectible car is being made available with a very reasonable four figure reserve, well below the sum value of its parts. PAYMENT TERMS:This vintage vehicle is being listed on behalf of the owner. Please email ‘carsgoneby@telus.net’ or phone Rick at (403)534-2222 for additional honest and accurate information from a professional auto restorer. All information listed has been gathered from discussions with the owner, and a visual inspection. Over 130 pics are available for viewing at www.carsgoneby.com/PhotoAlbumsPro/1931PierceArrow . Additional specific pictures are available upon request. No warranties expressed or implied. Successful bidder to make a minimum payment of 50% of closing bid amount (US funds) within 5 days of auction closing, with the balance payable upon vehicle pick up within 21 days (international) or 14 days (US/Canada). Payment must be in certifiable form such as cash or wire transfer. Other forms of payment only acceptable with time allowance for instrument to clear bank prior to vehicle being released. Any deviation from, or changes to the preceding terms must be reasonable, and should be requested, discussed, and agreed to prior to bidding and auction closing. IMPORTANT OTHER:Please submit all inquiries prior to bidding, and please only bid if you are able and willing to conclude the transaction should you be the winning bidder. This vehicle is being sold with a clear State of California Certificate of Title, and bill of sale. The car is located in Nanton, Alberta, Canada, about 2 ½ hours north of the Montana border. Please be aware of your shipping costs before bidding, quotes can be provided upon request if necessary. We can help make this a smooth, hassle free experience by arranging all inclusive international transportation and brokerage for you. References relating to similar transactions are available. Cars Gone By has sold and shipped numerous collector vehicles to the USA and worldwide, the majority through Ebay transactions. Please do not ask us to disclose the reserve price. In fairness to all bidders we will not do so and request that you simply place a bid that is comfortable for you. Thanks for looking!