- Home
- About Us
- Join/Renew
- Member Benefits
- Member Pages
- Log In
- Help
- Museum Store
After going through part of my collection I cam across this postcard from Dec 2, 1912. After taking a closer look I was able to identify the car as a 1912 Pierce-Arrow but have the following questions.
Is there “sure-fire” way to identify which Model this is?
Has anyone seen this style of Hood Ornament?
What was the first year Pierce-Arrow starting offering cars to the Presidency?
Thanks,
Ben
The back of the postcard.
The Hood Ornament.
The base of the radiator cap is stock. It has been drilled and an
aftermarket ornament has been added. The horn is an aftermarket also
as bulb horns were mounted under the hood. The front bumper is also
aftermarket The “66” had a 140 inch wheelbase and was $6,000 ($1,000
more than a “48”). One way to tell the difference was the height of
the radiator. the later cars could be distinguished by the length
of their front fenders in relation to their hoods. It may work on a
“12” too? I was under the impression that Taft got 2 closed cars
(36HP). I’ve seen a registration for a 1912 “66” car no#66,306 and
this must be it. The car was in Taft’s name in 1913.
A stock 48HP will top out at 72-75 MPH. A 66, I’ve
heard would do 75MPH to 80+ MPH. These would be comfortable
speeds if you weren’t concerned with stopping. The car
has little lean (with Hartford Shocks) and goes where you
point it. In 1973 I drove my 36HP on the freeway to get
home at 55MPH cruise speed. I crossed the SF-Oakland Bay
Bridge. On another occassion I had my car tapped out when a
’10, non stock “48HP” blew by
me like I was standing still. He was racing an Interstate
that had been restored as an Indy Race machine. They were
doing above 75MPH. I’ve since retired my racing gloves, so
don’t come looking for me. Find Ed! I was talking about
1912 models.
According to the Book William Howard Taft and the First Motoring Presidency, 1909-1913, by Michael L. Bromley:
The deal to sell the two Pierces to the Taft White House, was put together by Col. Charles Clifton, Pierce’s Treasurer.
The choice was left up to Mrs. Taft and somewhere after Feb 16,1909, Clifton offered a “48 H.P. Limousine for $2,500.” Also, Mrs. Taft “needed the formality of a limousine as well as the show of a landaulet.
Clifton would meet that extravagance with a 36 H.P. landaulet to be delivered later (after the March 4th inauguration) for a slight $2,000. A summer, seven-passenger touring body that could be mounted on the 48 H.P.’s chassis was thrown in at $400.” Clifton also sent a “competent, company-trained chauffeur.”
So Taft basically got 3 bodies and 2 chassis for $4900. I wonder what the current Cadillac, “BEAST” cost and what kind of deal GM gave us taxpayers.
Talking speeds on early Pierce Arrows: I was told by a 1914-1915 C-3 owner
that he had taken his car over 70 mph.Alot depends on gearing and condition.
Again one must respect the two wheel brakes.In his case the car had a vacuum booster on the brakes fitted during restoration.
I assume that you Racy types are NOT driving on clinchers!! I have had a couple blow outs in my 1912 Napier trying for the 75mph!!! Not too bad on the back BUT VERY BAD when the tire comes off the front on the inside of the rim & wraps around the steering mechanism!!!! The tire & tube that went on the back was on a mountain road & left the rim & disappeared into the fourth dimension never to be seen again!!! It only left the valve in the rim as a reminder that the tire & tube had ever existed!! I am older now!! Cheers Jak
As far as respecting two wheel brakes, I have none for them. I
approached an intersection at 45MPH when the light changed on me.
Upon locking my brakes, I skidded through the intersection with
fear gripping me. I exited doing 42MPH. The good news, is that a
3,800 lb. early car will go where you point her without much roll
(surprising, huh).Sorry to get off topic on that ever loving White
man, Taft.
I was driving my C-3 Five Passenger Touring Car one day and had slowed down from going around 45 mph as I was coming up to a congested area.A car pulled out in front of me and I had to stop.The brakes on my C-3 did a great job which surprised me.I think they almost did a better job than those on a rented Ford Torino a few years prior.I once drove a 1914 Ford Model T to almost the summit of Pikes Peak.We both started to get scared of the height about a mile from the summit so turned around.The T’s brakes did work but one must respect this technology.