1929 Pierce-Arrow Model 126 Convertible Coupe

Buffalo New York: While it doesn't resonate like the mention of Detroit, Stuttgart, or Modena, this is where Pierce-Arrow cast its lot. Beginning in 1865 its predecessor, Heinz, Pierce & Munschauer made everything from ice boxes and bathtubs to gilded birdcages. Then came bicycles and eventually automobiles. An attempt at a steam-power car failed, but in 1901 Pierce built a single-cylinder car with a de Dion engine. In 1903 a two-cylinder model arrived, followed by the Great Arrow. It was a success and helped build Pierce's cachet by winning the first five Glidden Tours.

Pierce-Arrow advertising was stylish and elegant. The car was usually positioned in the background and always in a setting that suggested money, power, or high fashion. These were possibly the first lifestyle ads used in automotive advertising, and they worked. In its day a Pierce-Arrow was a powerful status symbol; driven by movers and shakers from Hollywood stars to business tycoons. They were found wherever the rich and powerful gathered; much of the world's royalty counted at least one Pierce-Arrow in their collection as well as scores of congressmen, ambassadors, governors, entertainers, and even Presidents.

After only a short period of time in business, the Pierce-Arrow Company became known as one of America's premiere manufacturers of luxury automobiles. By 1907, they were building four- and six-cylinder automobiles. A few years later, they would only produce two sizes of six-cylinder models. Their cars were durable and reliable, a reputation they proved by successfully driving on the 1907 Glidden Tour and completing the tour.

This 1929 Pierce-Arrow Model 143 Convertible Coupe features one of the first eight-cylinder engines which produced 125 horsepower. The car is known as the Model 143, which refers to the wheelbase length. This example has a convertible coupe body which was built in-house by Pierce-Arrow. When new it sold for $3,750. An enduring styling cue was created when in 1914 the headlights were moved from their traditional spot to flared housings molded into the front fenders. Just 205 were built and only a handful are believed to exist today.