This 1934 Pierce-Arrow 1240A is a Silver Arrow Coupe finished in black and gray and powered by a 462ci V12. Factory equipment includes twin Stromberg carburetors, servo-assisted drum brakes, a Startix automatic starting system, and a three-speed transmission with synchronized second and third gears. The car was refurbished in the early 2000s and has remained in the same collection for the last 17 years. The two-tone exterior also features red pinstripes, and the cabin is trimmed in gray and white cloth upholstery along with two-tone wood accents. The car has earned a CCCA National Senior Award and won its class at the 2014 Indianapolis Celebration of Automobiles. It also appeared at The Elegance at Hershey and the Gilmore Car Museum. This Silver Arrow Coupe is now offered on dealer consignment in Saint Louis, Missouri, with a clean Michigan title.
The 1240A was among three Pierce-Arrow models introduced for 1934 that could be ordered in multiple wheelbases and body styles, as well as with a straight-eight or V12 power plant. Available with either engine and built on a 144″ wheelbase, the Silver Arrow Coupe inherited its name from a concept sedan that Pierce-Arrow had debuted the previous year. Styling elements include a tapered rear profile, headlights and taillights fared into the fenders, and a sloped grille.
Following the current owner’s acquisition, this example received a repaint by LaVine Restorations in Nappanee, Indiana, due to the owner’s desire for a color change. The body now wears a black finish with gray accents and red coachlining along the shoulder lines, sail panels, and lower body. The finish, trim, and lenses are shown close up in the photo gallery below. The seller notes that there is a scuff on the right-hand side of the radiator shell from contact during opening of the hood, and that the rubber corner guards on the hood panel will need to be re-secured.
Black-painted 17” steel wheels feature polished covers with “Pierce 12” insignias and wear B.F. Goodrich Silvertown whitewall tires. Dual side-mount spares are encased in body-colored covers that also carry side mirrors. Braking is handled by mechanical, servo-assisted drums from Stewart-Warner at all four wheels. An adjustment of the system was performed in July 2020.
The cabin is upholstered in gray and white patterned cloth over seating for four. The door panels are are trimmed to match, and gray carpeting lines the floors. Two different types of wood in contrasting-color stains accent the doors, dash, and window frames. A period radio is situated in the glovebox door, though the dial face has faded. A Signal-Stat turn signal system has been added, with a switch mounted on the steering column. The throttle position lever on the steering wheel was replaced in 2020.
Instrumentation includes a 100-mph speedometer and a clock, along with gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, amperage, and coolant temperature. The five-digit odometer shows 600 miles, and true mileage is unknown.
The 462ci side-valve V12 was introduced by Pierce-Arrow in 1933 with a factory-rated output of 175 horsepower. Features include hydraulic tappets and twin downdraft Stromberg carburetors with an automatic choke. A Startix automatic starting system was also standard equipment, allowing electric starting in addition to automatic restarting in the event of the engine stalling. The Startix system was repaired in January 2020. Maintenance is said to have been addressed in-house during the car’s time in the current owner’s collection.
The three-speed manual transmission features synchromesh on second and third gears, as well as a free-wheeling unit that enables coasting while in gear by disengaging the driveshaft from the forces of engine braking. Additional underside photos are presented in the gallery, and the video attached below features a ride along.
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