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.

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The livery is presented in a handsome two-tone tan with complementary orange coach stripes. The paint looks nearly perfect in all respects. There are only a few areas for touch-up, at the hood and the door jambs. The paint is simply magnificent. The chrome is stunning and perfect. We’ve not seen any areas of the cosmetics wanting. The orange wire wheels are perfect and look terrific with the wide white wall tires. The tan Haartz cloth convertible top is in perfect condition and is complemented with the canvas trunk cover and side mount spare cover. The Pilot Ray lamps look wonderful, including the crispness of the engraving. They correctly turn with the steering of the front wheels. Also included are the luggage trunk and rack and a set of 1920’s golf clubs for display.

The interior is replete with soft and supple taupe leather interior. It matches beautifully with the leather in the rumble seat. We love the interior instruments with their Art Deco designs.

We’ve had the pleasure to complete a full inspection as well as test drive the Pierce. It drives in all respects like a new 1929 Pierce. It is tight with no rattles and the steering is appropriately light. It performs well and also stops well with no smoke or noises. The speedometer is presently not functioning and the porcelain on the exhaust manifold has normal cracking from use (as shown in the photo gallery).

Chassis No. 2005991
Engine No. 305204
Engine: L-head straight eight, 366 ci., 125 bhp at 3,200 rpm; Gearbox: four-speed manual; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear; Brakes: four wheel drum mechanical. The straight eight engine had both competitive performance specifications, with a top speed of 85 mph, and the expected Pierce specifications. Technical details such as nine main bearings on the crankshaft and aluminum pistons with invar strut construction insured these cars’ durability.

The restoration was performed by Murray Motor Car in Monroe, WA. In total, the Murray brothers restored four Classic Era motorcars for the Barr family. Their work quality speaks for itself and is absolutely breathtaking.

The strikingly handsome all new 1929 Pierce-Arrow cars were the first to be powered by eight cylinder engines. Their design and construction represent a wonderful blend of the marque’s traditions and state-of-the-art motoring of the time. Pierce was late in joining the American luxury automobile’s change to eight cylinder-engined cars in the 1920s, but these 1929 models showed they were well worth the wait. Coachbuilder Ray Dietrich is said to have helped design its fine distinctive lines; Studebaker, who had bought control of the company in mid-1928, made an open-ended commitment to finance an aggressive engineering and production effort.

This Convertible Coupe qualifies for events held by the Pierce-Arrow Society, AACA, VMCCA and the CCCA. For more details and information, or to schedule a live video inspection, call or text Harry Clark at +1.623.404.9042 or email us at harry@classicpromenade,com. We help arrange transport worldwide.

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