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Every now and then I consider attempting to buy a pre-forties classic car closed sedan on the assumption that the market for these lesser sought cars has declined to the point of affordability. I don’t like buying at auctions because you have little opportunity to determine the condition of the car being offered relying solely on what the auction company has put forth. Next are dealers who often buy cars from anxious owners , estate sales or auctions ( likely from vehicles provided by the deceased owners’ heirs and assigns) and then offer the cars at prices greatly exceeding what they paid (reference the March 2025 Amelia Island auction of several Pierce Arrows). As a capitalist, I support a free marketplace and if you can get a big return on your investment, I have no quarrel. I’m just not likely to buy a car from you. So what’s left? Buy a classic from the owner who hopefully can detail all that’s been done to the car including repair receipts? Not a good option based on my recent experience which is described below.
Several days ago I sent emails to select members of another classic car club I belong to asking if they knew anyone who was selling a car like the one they owned. I received a number of responses as there is a collegiality among old car club members that I sure all here will understand. Several had cars for sale with one requiring a complete restoration which is no longer feasible given that quick change oil companies are posting labor rates of $150/hour. The other potential seller had a car that appeared to meet my requirements for a “good older restoration”. I’m not sure how “good” a restoration had taken place but it was certainly “older”having been a frame off done in the 1960’s. Yowser! The kicker here was the car’s price ( not asking but firm) was at least twice what the market would pay for a closed sedan needing some remedial work. Needless to say, I’ve experienced this before so I wasn’t surprised but reminded this is not uncommon when you make an unsolicited offer. Heck, I’d probably respond the same way to an offer on the classic ( not a Pierce Arrow) sitting in my basement even though I know it will never bring anything close to what I have invested in it.
Realizing that this missive is way longer than the typical ones posted , thank you for your patience and perseverance in reading this. If anybody has suggestions as to where to buy a nice older restored classic ( ideally a Pierce Arrow) at a reasonable price, I’m all ears ( with hearing aids in both of them).
Hello Jim
I started my initial search for a Pierce three years before I landed one. My first piece of advice is you must see the car in person. My second piece of advice is the same.
I looked at a number of cars before I decided the years I was most interested in. This will help you narrow your search. Since I like straight eights, my search began with 1929-1938. Another suggestion is to talk with your local region. They tend to know who is interested in selling. This worked for me. Our club president gave me a lead that worked out for me. The car I purchased was eventually listed on BAT. I couldn’t be happier with it. I brought it to Hershey last year and was awarded an AACA Original designation.
Best of luck in your search! It’s a lot of fun too. You will meet some nice people along the way.
Hi Jim, I am very much identified with your posting. I am still in my search of a 1920s Pierce-Arrow to buy and I have experienced the same challenges you’ve described.
I am currently in the second year of my search, so if I repeat Dennis’ time, I will probably get a PA early next year!
Different from you, I am pretty much interested in the pre-1928 Pierce-arrows, ideally models 33 or 36.
Best, JRA
I have a Classic car for sale now. It is a 1932 Studebaker President Model 91 and it is listed on Facebook. Make an offer. It is located in Kent WA. I also own a 1933 Pierce Arrow 836 (not for sale). The 2 vehicles are almost identical. Studebaker owned Pierce at that time and the two 8 cyl. engines were designed by the same Studebaker engineer with some interchangeable parts. Great cars. Don Andersen