1916 Pierce-Arrow Model 38 Four-Passenger Touring
- Engine
- 414 cu in T-head inline six-cylinder, single updraft carburetor, 72 bhp at 2,500 rpm
A 1916 Pierce-Arrow Model 38 four-passenger touring car, chassis 37269, powered by a 414ci T-head inline six-cylinder engine. Once part of the celebrated Bill Harrah Collection in Reno, Nevada, the car retains its original cast-aluminium bodywork in the divided-front-seat open touring style, with reportedly original keys and locks. After leaving the Harrah Collection around 1980, it passed through several collectors before reaching its current owner in 2014, since when it has completed at least five Paso Robles Tours.
Ownership
- 2019-08-15Auction saleEstimate US$185,000 – US$200,000
- → 1980Acquisition unknownBill Harrah Collectionpartial documentation
Harrah acquired the car sometime during the 1950s at his Reno, Nevada collection. The vehicle remained there until the collection was largely dispersed around 1980.
- 1980 → 2014Acquisition unknownIntermediate collectors after Harrah dispersalnone documentation
The car passed through multiple unidentified private collectors between the Harrah sale and 2014.
- 2014 →Acquisition unknownMost recent private collectorpartial documentation
Current owner acquired the vehicle in 2014; during this period it participated in multiple Paso Robles Tours and reportedly retained original keys and locks.
Competition
- —Paso Robles Wine Country Classic TourPaso Robles Tour (1st participation)Completed
The car completed at least five Paso Robles Tours in total; individual dates are not specified in the prose.
- —Paso Robles Wine Country Classic TourPaso Robles Tour (2nd participation)Completed
- —Paso Robles Wine Country Classic TourPaso Robles Tour (3rd participation)Completed
- —Paso Robles Wine Country Classic TourPaso Robles Tour (4th participation)Completed
- —Paso Robles Wine Country Classic TourPaso Robles Tour (5th participation)Completed
Maintenance & restoration
- —Bodywork
The rear passenger seats were reupholstered in leather matching the front seats; the front seats are believed to retain at least partial original leather upholstery.
Date of this work is unrecorded; the front seats are described as possibly retaining original material.
- —Modification
The original cape-style roof covering was replaced with a full-length lined folding hood.
Timing of this change is not specified in the source material.
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