1911 Pierce-Arrow Model 66-A Runabout

824.7ci T-head Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
66bhp
4-Speed Selective Shift Manual Transmission
Front Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs and Rear ¾-Elliptic Leaf Springs and Live Rear Axle
Hartford Friction-Type Shock Absorbers
Rear-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Among the most legendary American Brass cars - a true king of the road
*The largest engine ever utilized in an American production car
*One of very few examples with two-passenger coachwork
*An effortless, trouble-free veteran of two long-distance tours

THE PIERCE-ARROW MODEL 66

All Brass Era Pierce-Arrows are respected for their solid construction, quality engineering, and powerful engines, but none equals the Model 66, the company's largest model and among the most massive American cars ever produced. Its T-head 6-cylinder engine of 824.7ci is the largest engine ever installed in an American production car; compare to the largest production engine used in a modern car, the Dodge Viper V-10, which displaces "only" 505ci (in the final iteration). Virtually every other component of the car was sized to match, including the towering 27-inch wheels wrapped in 37-inch tires. With such impressive credentials, the relatively small number of extant examples of the model are fiercely prized by the collectors fortunate enough to hold them.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Of the surviving Model 66s, the majority are large touring cars, of the type famously used by Woodrow Wilson during his time in the White House. Rare still are the true performance models, two-passenger runabouts, with "barely there" bodywork that ensures maximum speed is wrung from the massive T-head six. It is easy to imagine these great beasts churning the dirt roads of the Brass Era; no wonder, then, that those given the opportunity to restore a 66, often choose to maximize its potential through two-passenger coachwork.

The current owner and restorer of this particular Pierce 66 was offered it by Bruce Zillner in 2008, as a project that clearly had the means and potential to become a truly beautiful automobile. A full restoration was soon undertaken, with the intention to utilize the car on long-distance events. The owner notes that the engine, a 66-A-4 passenger car unit, and all related components are either original Pierce 66 or 48 parts, with the exception of an upgraded Schebler carburetor and a 12-volt electrical system with alternator affixed underneath the original Westinghouse starter. The engine was rebuilt, with bored cylinders, new forged pistons, and a modern driveshaft, and all components properly restored; a 2.5:1 differential gear set was installed, and the transmission fitted with all new gears, to enable easy highway touring.

Underneath, the new, correct 66-specification chassis, made by Michael Paul, was outfitted with correct Hartford friction shock absorbers and new artillery wheels, shod in 37-inch tires – each complete wheel assembly actually measures some 38 inches, or over three feet, across! Selected upgrades, including hydraulic brakes, were made to ensure safe drivability on modern roads – an important consideration when restoring any Brass car with an eye to regular use and enjoyment.

Bodywork was crafted using the correct Pierce cast aluminum construction of the period, in a rakish two-seater runabout style, finished in grey and burgundy, with comfortable burgundy leather bucket seats overseen by a well-constructed charcoal top. As with any proper big-horsepower Brass car, accessories are in abundance, including Rushmore headlamps, Pierce Solar 935C side lamps, a Dragon 812 bulb horn, Warner Auto-Meter combination speedometer and clock, and a correct taillight and license plate illuminator, which has been wired to function as a brake light for tours.

The owner proudly notes that the Pierce is a proven tour car, having completed every event that it has started, including two aggressive and challenging tours that covered over 400 miles each, all while running effortlessly at 60 mph.

The Pierce 66 is the dream of nearly every Brass Era enthusiast – a car that not only holds records for its size, but that offers superior engineering and the abundant power needed to keep up on numerous national touring events. This example has been set up by its owner to use and enjoy, and with a proven track record in long-distance events, would be an ideal machine to take on the road during the next touring season. It has sheer presence in spades!