1932 Pierce-Arrow Model 54 Convertible Sedan
- Engine
- Inline eight-cylinder, 125 hp
- Colour
- Black and silver
A 1932 Pierce-Arrow Model 54 convertible sedan powered by a 125-hp inline eight, built on a 137-inch wheelbase to the Buffalo manufacturer's characteristically robust standards. Traceable to 1954 New York State registration, the car was restored in the early 1970s in black and silver with red leather and a correct 1932 engine, subsequently winning Best of Show at the Pierce-Arrow Society National Meet twice. It later appeared at both Meadowbrook and Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and participated in two Texas touring events spanning twenty years.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$117,600
- 1954 → 1973Donald and Joan Davispartial documentation
First traceable owners; car was registered in New York State under their names beginning in 1954.
- 1973 →Private saleRay and Dave Lipkapartial documentation
Purchased from Mrs. Davis and undertook a restoration in black and silver with red leather interior, fitting a period-correct engine for the model year.
- 1981 →Private saleBerta Leon (later Berta Leon-Hackney)partial documentation
Acquired as a 50th birthday gift arranged by Jay Leon; additional restoration work was carried out in the late 1980s covering interior, hood, and brightwork.
Competition
- 1978Pierce-Arrow Society National MeetPierce-Arrow Society National Meet 1978Best of Show — Vanderveer Trophy
Entered by the Lipka family during their period of ownership.
- 1981Pierce-Arrow Society National MeetPierce-Arrow Society National Meet 1981Top concours award
First showing by Berta Leon after acquisition; repeated the prior owners' winning result.
- 1982Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 1982
Shown alongside the Meadowbrook event in the same year.
- 1982Meadowbrook Concours d'Elegance 1982
Exhibited in 1982, one of two major concours appearances that year.
- 1986Texas Bicentennial CARavanDriver: Jay Leon
Driven by the Leons over roughly 900 miles without mechanical trouble.
- 2006Heart of Texas CARavanDriver: Berta Leon-Hackney
Driven by Berta Leon-Hackney approximately two decades after the prior touring event.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1973Restoration
Full restoration carried out by the Lipka family in a black and silver colour scheme with red leather upholstery; a period-correct 1932 engine was sourced and fitted.
- —Restoration
Further restoration work undertaken in the late 1980s to improve historical accuracy, quality of fit and finish, encompassing a new interior, hood/top replacement, and fresh chrome plating.
Prose states 'late 1980s'; precise year is not given.
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