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1929 Pierce-Arrow Model 133 Limousine

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Pierce-Arrow Makes a Comeback

This 1929 Pierce-Arrow Model 133 Limousine, so named for its 133-inch wheelbase, helped its manufacturer hit a financial bullseye. Things had not been looking good for the Buffalo, New York-based Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company. A reversal of fortune was needed, and it arrived in the form of a business alliance with Studebaker Corporation.

The “merger” was more of a Studebaker acquisition, but no matter: Pierce-Arrow reaped big benefits. Due to Studebaker’s financial backing, they now had the ability to produce two new model ranges for 1929: The Model 133 and the Series 143. They also gained a new dealer network, namely Studebaker’s dealerships.

Not in New York

Most of the Pierce-Arrows included frog-eye-like headlamps protruding from the fenders. Even though Pierce-Arrow was based in Buffalo, NY such vehicular illumination was prohibited by New York state law as they deemed them confusing to other motorists at night so every New York-delivered vehicle incorporated freestanding headlamps.

The “frog” lights were the creation of Pierce-Arrow designer Herbert Dawley. Herbert received a patent for his innovation of incorporating headlights directly into the fenders improving their efficiency. Herbert was also a pioneer of stop-motion model animation for silent motion pictures, his first movie, “The Ghost of Slumber Mountain,” was a great hit and huge financial success.

The Great Eight

Model 133 and Series 143 vehicles had the all-new 366-cubic-inch straight-eight engine. Rival automakers had unveiled their eight-cylinders years earlier; however, Pierce-Arrow’s offered higher performance and more power than any other American eight-cylinder with the exception of the mighty Duesenberg.

Pierce-Arrow’s new engine weighed around 100 pounds less than the big T-head six-cylinder that it replaced, and it provided 25 percent more power from a 12 percent smaller displacement. It was less costly too, with prices starting at $2,775.