1905 Pierce-Arrow Great Arrow

When automotive enthusiasts think of the finest luxury cars of the early 20th Century, thoughts drift to those of the Buffalo, New York-based George N. Pierce Company. Before bicycle production commenced in 1896, the company's major products were bird cages, ice boxes, and other household items, albeit under the guise of Heinz, Pierce and Munschauer, which had been founded in 1865. Bicycle production was followed by automobiles in 1901 with the Pierce Motorette and later Great Arrow models. The manufacture of automobiles was driven by treasurer Charles Clifton, who had watched developments in Europe and recommended the De Dion engine, which was used in Pierce's first gasoline car. Engineering was by British-born engineer David Fergusson, who contributed most to the new Pierce Motorette. By the close of 1902, production had risen to 150 units.

A five-horsepower model arrived in 1903, and the 'Motorette' name was retired in favor of Runabout. Additionally, there was a 6.5 horsepower Stanhope and a two-cylinder, five-passenger touring car. Two-cylinder Arrow and four-cylinder Great Arrow models followed in 1904. Around this time, the decision was made to concentrate on larger, more luxurious automobiles for the market's upper echelons.

In 1905, Percy Pierce (George's son) won the first of the famous Glidden Tours driving a Great Arrow. Pierce cars claimed victory in the next four events, an unprecedented achievement.

In September 1906, the company made a foray into motorcycles with the establishment of the Pierce Cycle Company headed by Percy Pierce, the son of company president George Pierce. Like the automobile division, the new motorcycle division offered an upscale product designed and built with uncompromising quality and advanced, cost-no-object engineering. The year 1909 was significant for the company, as it was the first year Pierce motorcycles were available and the same year the cars became known as Pierce-Arrows. The Buffalo firm had survived the competitive early years of the American automobile industry, becoming a thriving and successful company.

The Studebaker Corporation of South Bend, Indiana, gained control of the Buffalo firm in 1928. This allowed Pierce to retire its venerable 6-cylinder engine and in 1929, introduced an L-head straight-eight engine.

The Silver Arrow was introduced in 1933 at the New York Auto Show, being announced with the slogan 'Suddenly it's 1940!' Due to its steep price, only five examples were built.

While all other luxury makers buckled under the weight of the Great Depression by offering a lower-priced alternative, Pierce-Arrow remained steadfast. As sales dwindled during the Great Depression, Pierce-Arrow was left without sales or funds for development. The company declared insolvency in 1938.

The 1905 Great Arrow

The 1905 Great Arrow was a four-cylinder model available on a 100-, 104-, or 109-inch wheelbase platform. Body styles on the 100-inch wheelbase (24/28 hp) included a five-passenger tonneau ($3,500), a Victoria and cape tonneau priced at $3,650, and a canopy tonneau listing at $7,500. The 104- and 109-inch wheelbase shared a 28/32 horsepower engine. It had the same body styles as the shorter platform, with prices of $4,000, $1,50, and $4,250, respectively.

The large 109-inch wheelbase was offered as a seven-passenger landaulet and suburban priced at $5,000. The opera coach, also priced at $5,000, had seating for eight.

Pierce-Arrow produced approximately 893 automobiles in 1905.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2023