1919 Pierce-Arrow Model 31 Five-Passenger Touring Car
Beautiful Restoration, Nickel Era Excellence$135,000
From the Driver’s Seat - Our team’s personal take on what makes this classic stand out
THE ESSENTIALS
The 1919 Pierce-Arrow Model 31 represents the pinnacle of Nickel Era motoring, combining ornate craftsmanship with advanced engineering. One of just three examples known to exist, this Dual Valve Pierce retains its matching-numbers chassis and engine, and is accompanied by a comprehensive history file. Finished in two-tone Pastel Green with a rich brown leather interior, the car presents in excellent condition throughout, benefiting from a full frame-up restoration and continued expert care. Well-suited for concours, rallies, and long-distance touring, this Model 31 remains an ideal Brass and Nickel Era motorcar for the discerning collector.
Chassis 311206, engine 314026, was originally sold for $7,250 and lived for decades in California’s Central Valley before being acquired by noted Pierce-Arrow collector Patrick Craig in 2007. A full restoration commenced under his direction, and the car was subsequently sold during the process to its next custodian, who retained Craig to complete the work. The mechanical restoration was entrusted to Pierce specialist Richard Bowley, while Ken Niminick completed the interior in period-correct materials. Later owners continued to refine and maintain the Pierce, including Tom and JoAnn Martindale, who toured extensively with the car and earned awards at Hillsborough, Palo Alto, and regional HCCA events. Most recently, Mosier Restoration of Inglewood, California, completed significant mechanical work in 2016, ensuring continued reliability. The odometer now shows 39,008 miles.
The exterior of the Pierce is striking in its original two-tone Pastel Green (PPG 42672) with brown pinstriping, presenting with a deep luster and excellent finish. The proprietary cast aluminum panel body, riveted for strength and lightness, remains dent-resistant and exceptionally well preserved. The dark brown folding convertible top is in excellent condition, accompanied by a complete set of custom-made brown fabric side curtains. Additional exterior features include patented fender-mounted headlights, ten-spoke open wheels with whitewall tires, and a leather-strap-secured rear trunk. Nickel brightwork has been fully re-plated and retains a mirror finish.
Inside, the Pierce displays superb craftsmanship with front bucket seats and a rear bench finished in brown leather of excellent quality. Matching leather trim extends to side pouches inside the rear doors. Instrumentation includes a Waltham clock and working gauges for mileage, oil, amps, and fuel, framed by a right-hand drive layout with a right-side floor-mounted gear shifter. The interior strikes a balance of authentic period presentation and passenger comfort, further enhanced by the inclusion of “California Side Curtains” for rear seat protection.
Power is delivered by Pierce’s 415 cubic-inch Dual Valve six-cylinder engine, installed in 1920, paired with a four-speed gearbox. Producing 75 horsepower at 2,200 rpm, the engine benefits from a Pierce-Arrow updraft carburetor and dual ignition system. Mechanical updates include a full rebuild by Bowley, a radiator updated with a modern core and period façade, a rebuilt steering box with new gears and bearings, and new brakes. The suspension utilizes semi-elliptical leaf springs with Hartford shock absorbers, providing a balance of ride comfort and stability. This example has proven both powerful and dependable, making it a standout tour car with concours pedigree.
For more details and information, please text, call or email Kendi Brown at +1.623.404.9042 or sales@classicpromenade.com.
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