1936 Pierce-Arrow De Luxe Eight Convertible Sedan
Buffalo’s iconic luxury marque produced just 787 automobiles in 1936, a stark decline from nearly 10,000 units in 1929 as the Depression continued to devastate the upper-tier market. The Convertible Sedan represented one of nine available body styles in the De Luxe Eight line, built on two wheelbase options.
This example rides on the longer 144-inch wheelbase, the most expansive configuration offered in the De Luxe Eight series. The convertible sedan design combined formal enclosed motoring with the flexibility of open-air driving.
Power came from Pierce-Arrow’s 385-cubic-inch straight-eight producing 150 horsepower, paired with a three-speed manual transmission featuring overdrive and freewheeling capability. The freewheeling mechanism allowed the car to coast when lifting off the accelerator.
Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes with vacuum assist provided stopping power. The chassis incorporated a welded and riveted frame construction with twin box-section side members, five cross-members, and a center X-brace for structural rigidity.
Pierce-Arrow would cease production in 1938 after building approximately 85,000 automobiles over the company’s history.
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