1917 Pierce-Arrow Model 38 Runabout

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The AACA Museum at Hershey is truly America’s transportation experience. The 71,000-square-foot museum in Hershey, Pennsylvania, opened on 26 June 2003 and since then has displayed vintage automobiles in a truly unique way. Visitors walk through eight decades in time while traveling from New York to San Francisco with iconic settings revealing vehicles from generations of American motoring. The AACA Museum at Hershey ranks among the top automotive museums in the world and has been recognized by the Smithsonian as an Affiliate Museum. Hagerty Marketplace is again honored to offer this collection of exceptional and unusual vehicles from the AACA Museum at Hershey.  

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Throughout the ’Teens and ’Twenties, Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company of Buffalo, New York continued its reputation as America’s finest luxury car, despite stiff competition from Cadillac, Lincoln, Marmon, Kissel, Locomobile, Duesenberg, the US-built Rolls-Royce, and others.  

The 1917 Pierce-Arrow Model 38 was part of a prestigious line introduced in 1913 and produced through 1918. It replaced the earlier 36 hp model and was renowned for its engineering excellence and refined styling. Powered by a vigorous 415 cu-in inline-six engine producing 38 horsepower, the Model 38 featured a four-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. It was built on a 134-inch wheelbase chassis, offering a smooth ride and spacious interior. The car was available in a wide array of body styles, including touring cars, coupes, runabouts, sedans, and various brougham configurations, with prices ranging from $4,800 to $6,100 (at a time a new Ford Model T was about $400). 

In 1917, Pierce-Arrow produced 1,891 vehicles, and like all Pierce-Arrows, they were the conveyance of American presidents and royalty, Hollywood stars and business moguls. The Model 38’s blend of performance, luxury, and craftsmanship solidified Pierce-Arrow’s reputation as one of America’s premier automakers during the Brass Era of automobiles. 

Highlights 

• Sporty two-door runabout body 

• 415 cu-in inline-six engine rated at 38 hp 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• Kept in running condition and driven to events 

Features 

• Mechanical drum brakes (rear only) 

• Solid axles with leaf springs 

• Opulent 134-inch wheelbase  

• Hand-built body with high-quality materials 

• Single Pierce-Arrow carburetor 

Known Imperfections 

• This 1917 Pierce Arrow Model 38 Runabout has been kept in running condition and frequently taken to car shows and offsite events 

Ownership History 

Prior to its donation to the museum by Pauline Becker of Florida, it was used extensively for regular transportation and later driven to Pierce-Arrow gatherings and other antique car events across the country. Mrs. Becker and her husband drove this car and a companion 1917 Model 66 to events, rather than trailering them, regardless of the location. Both Pierce-Arrows found a new home at the Museum, not long after our 2003 opening. In recognition of the Becker’s generous gift and their long-term commitment to the hobby, both have been kept in running condition and frequently taken to car shows and offsite events. 

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.   Contact: Donnie Gould   Phone: 954.647.0779    email: dgould@hagerty.com