Gold Plated 1918 Model 48 Coupe

Bill Morris and I snuck off to check out a new car museum that opened up in Chicago right under my nose. I had heard about the Klairmont Kollections in the past, but this was the first visit for both of us. They have 300+ cars, including at least four Pierces. One car was of special interest, a gold plated 1918 Model 48 Coupe, Serial No. 515435. Upon delivery, the owner, a man who had done well prospecting for gold out in the west, had all of the cast aluminum panels removed and plated gold. The museum was unsure of the whole history of the car, and asked us if we could check with the membership in case they might know more of the background of the car.