1912 Pierce-Arrow Model 66
- Engine
- ~825 cu in (13.5L) inline-six, ~100 hp
- Colour
- Two-tone deep maroon
The Pierce-Arrow Model 66 was the largest, most powerful production automobile of its era, built between 1910 and 1918 with an engine displacing up to 825 cubic inches — once recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest fitted to a production car. This particular example was assembled around a correct original 66-QQ engine with early ownership traced to George Dickinson and Fred P. Bagley of Massachusetts in the 1910s. Rebuilt by Howard Lane and later completed by Richard Pettingell, it carries a period-style five-passenger touring body and participated in the 1985 Transcontinental Tour, covering over 3,500 miles across North America.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$500,000 – US$700,000
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownGeorge Dickinsonpartial documentation
Gloucester, Massachusetts resident recorded by the Pierce-Arrow Society as an early owner; possibly the original purchaser of chassis 66500.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownFred P. Bagleypartial documentation
Boston-based owner listed in Pierce-Arrow Society records during the same general early period as Dickinson.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownHenry Austin Clark Jr.partial documentation
Acquired the original 66-QQ engine, which was later used by Howard Lane in the reconstruction of this vehicle.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownHoward Lanepartial documentation
Pierce-Arrow Society member from Massachusetts who assembled the car using the Clark-sourced engine, a custom-built frame, and Model 48 axles; later transferred the project to Pettingell.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownRichard Pettingellpartial documentation
Brass car collector from Ellenville, New York, who completed the car by adding a period-style five-passenger touring body along with correct ancillary coachwork details.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCurrent ownerpartial documentation
Acquired the car in the mid-1980s for a distinguished collection; oversaw mechanical upgrades including a 12-volt electrical system and hydraulic disc brakes, then entered the car in the 1985 Transcontinental Tour before commissioning a full cosmetic restoration.
Competition
- 19851985 Transcontinental Tour
A biennial cross-country driving journey organized by Millard Newman; the car covered roughly 3,500 miles from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon via mainly Canadian roads, reportedly outpacing other entrants on hills.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
Car assembled around an original 66-QQ engine; a new frame was fabricated to specification by a local craftsman, and axles from a Model 48 were fitted, with the front axle widened to suit the 66 frame.
Assembly carried out by Howard Lane of Massachusetts.
- —Bodywork
A new five-passenger touring body was constructed in the style of original 66-QQ coachwork, complete with period-appropriate fenders, aprons, hood, top, windshield, coil box, and glove and tool boxes.
Work carried out by Richard Pettingell.
- —Modification
Car upgraded for long-distance touring with a 12-volt electrical system including alternator and starter motor, a Zenith carburettor, a modern distributor, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes.
Upgrades made by the current owner, in preparation for the 1985 Transcontinental Tour.
- —Restoration
Comprehensive cosmetic restoration carried out: bodywork was refined for fit and finish and finished in two shades of deep maroon; varnished wood wheels, tan leather upholstery, and a tan cloth top were fitted; brass trim throughout was brought to a high standard.
Described as the most recent work on the car; no date given beyond being after the 1985 tour.
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