As unemployment soared to its peak in the early 1930s during the Great Depression, extravagant American luxury automotive manufacturers pressed on with an arms race pushing engine specifications and lavish features to excessive levels. In this era, multi-cylinder engines displacing over 400 cubic inches were standard in the world of ultra luxury automobiles and manufacturers like Packard and Pierce-Arrow both employed V-12s for their most grandiose models. Pierce-Arrow highlighted the exclusivity of its automobiles and the sophisticated lifestyles of its clientele through advertisements featuring stylish ladies and debonair gentlemen enjoying their cars amongst country estates or high society.

The Seven-Passenger Sedan offered here was built on the spacious 147-inch-wheelbase 1603 chassis of 1936, a year that saw numerous engineering improvements and, by its body number, was the first example of the style produced. Pierce-Arrow Society records indicate that only about six 1603 seven-passenger sedans were made in total; this is one of only two known to survive. It was formerly owned for many years by longtime PAS member Charles C. Campbell of Oroville, California and his family. Restored in their ownership, it was shown at many of the club’s events and other western shows over the years. Later it became part of the large Pierce-Arrow collection of Patrick Craig.

A longtime friend of the owner acquired the car from Mr. Craig here at Hershey in 2009, and it joined the collection soon after. The car still wears its restoration well, with a subtle exterior presentation in cream and buff tan, while the interior is beautifully outfitted in rich beige broadcloth, still in very good overall condition, surrounded by finely wrought hardware and trim pieces. Significantly, the interior is commodious, including the driver’s compartment and the five-passenger seating aft, making it a very comfortable choice for touring events and Classic Car Club of America CARavans. The original serial number and body number tags are still present, and examination of the sequence of cars in PAS records indicates that the engine is original.

Showing light age since its restoration and still very attractive, this is an imposing and dignified sedan, but also quite a beautiful one. Twelve-cylinder Pierces, in particular the later cars, are highly regarded for their power, swiftness, and sheer drivability. This one shows off the manufacturer’s superb engineering and craftsmanship to excellent effect.