1930 Pierce-Arrow Series 31 four-passenger roadster
A 1930 Pierce-Arrow Series 31 four-passenger roadster with a documented California history stretching back to its first known owner. Partially stored from around 1930 until 1952, it then passed to Southern California collector Ray Nelson, in whose museum it spent decades and was exhibited at Pierce-Arrow Society events. Subsequent caretakers maintained its integrity through careful use rather than heavy restoration, leaving the original interior and convertible top in naturally aged but sound condition.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$123,200
- → 1952Acquisition unknownGeorge Metcalfpartial documentation
Los Angeles-based custodian who held the car in storage in a partially dismantled state; an affidavit on file describes this arrangement.
- 1952 → 1978Private saleRay Nelsonfull documentation
Early Southern California collector who purchased the car for $800 and kept it in a large personal museum for the remainder of his life; multiple registration records, photographs, and service invoices are in the file.
- 1978 → 2004Private saleRodney Flournoyfull documentation
Long-standing Pierce-Arrow Society member who bought the car from the Nelson estate and documented his acquisition and a long road trip in a 1979 society publication; the current replacement engine was first recorded during his tenure.
- 2004 →Private saleDon Shortpartial documentation
Experienced collector based in Port Ludlow, Washington; ownership ended at his death.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownJoe W. Buttresspartial documentation
Based in South Pasadena, California; a 1930 registration document is in the file confirming his ownership.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownPeter Hagemanpartial documentation
Acquired the car following Don Short's passing and carried out a repaint along with general improvements, while preserving the original interior and soft top.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCurrent collectionpartial documentation
Most recent owner prior to auction; maintained the car in well-kept condition without further alteration.
Competition
- —Pierce-Arrow SocietyPierce-Arrow Society West Coast Meet
The car was displayed at this regional gathering in the early 1960s while in Ray Nelson's care, having received cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment beforehand.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Maintenance
Car was partially disassembled and placed in long-term storage prior to 1952.
Condition at time of dismantling not described; car remained stored with George Metcalf in Los Angeles until sold in 1952.
- —Restoration
Cosmetic refinishing and mechanical rebuilding carried out in preparation for display at a Pierce-Arrow Society regional event.
Work completed during Ray Nelson's ownership, sometime in the early 1960s before the West Coast Meet appearance.
- —Bodywork
Full repaint and general improvements made throughout the car; original interior and convertible top were deliberately retained in their aged, unrestored state.
Carried out by or on behalf of Peter Hageman following his acquisition of the car from the Short estate.
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