1911 Pierce-Arrow Model 48-SS Seven-Passenger Touring
- Engine
- 525 cu. in. inline-six, 48 hp, four-speed sliding-gear transmission
A November 1911-built Pierce-Arrow Model 48-SS seven-passenger touring car, bodied in the firm's cast aluminium coachwork on a 134-inch wheelbase and powered by a 525-cubic-inch six-cylinder engine. Among its notable former custodians was Phil Hill, America's first Formula 1 World Champion and a dedicated Pierce-Arrow enthusiast. After passing through several respected collectors' hands, the car received an extensive, originality-focused restoration and was shown at the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$472,500
- → 1971James P. Sullivanpartial documentation
Based in Oceanside, California; undertook a transcontinental drive in the vehicle in 1969. Ownership ended at his death in 1971.
- 1971 →Private salePhil Hillpartial documentation
Noted as the first American Formula 1 world champion; had a personal affinity for the marque due to family ownership history. Acquired after Sullivan's death.
- → 2007Private saleJim Grundypartial documentation
Acquired the car from Don Meyer; sold it to the current owner in 2007.
- 2007 →Private saleCurrent ownerpartial documentation
Commissioned a thorough restoration by Brass Era specialist Bob McKeown, prioritising originality, including sourcing correct headlamps and fabricating correct-ratio rear end gears. The finished car was shown at Pebble Beach in 2010.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownBill Kuringpartial documentation
One of several subsequent owners listed in sequence after Phil Hill; no dates or acquisition details provided.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownBill Zieringpartial documentation
Described as a prominent sports car enthusiast; one of several owners in the chain between Phil Hill and E.C. Lawrence.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownE.C. Lawrencepartial documentation
Former president of the Horseless Carriage Club of America; commissioned a touring restoration by Stu Laidlaw, including fitment of a Series 51 crankshaft. The restored vehicle was featured on the cover of the Pierce-Arrow Society publication in 1995.
- Date unknownPrivate saleDon Meyerpartial documentation
Prominent Brass Era collector from Lebanon, New Jersey, who owned multiple examples of the Model 48. Reportedly regarded this particular car as the most complete and original among them.
Competition
- 20102010 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
The vehicle was exhibited at the concours following completion of the owner's restoration programme.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationStu Laidlaw
A touring-level restoration carried out by Stu Laidlaw, during which a Series 51 crankshaft was fitted. The car was subsequently driven frequently and appeared on the cover of the Pierce-Arrow Society journal.
Commissioned by owner E.C. Lawrence; cover feature in The Arrow appeared in 1995.
- —RestorationBob McKeown
Comprehensive restoration by Brass Era specialist Bob McKeown, carried out with a strong emphasis on preserving originality. Work included sourcing and restoring a correct pair of headlamps and fabricating correct rear axle ring and pinion gears to the original 3.31:1 ratio.
Headlamp restoration performed by Vintage Brass. Completed in time for the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
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