Both to retain its high standards and to facilitate its continuing innovation and refinement, Pierce-Arrow closely controlled all aspects of automobile construction, including coachwork, for which most other luxury marques relied on outside coachbuilders. Instead, Pierce-Arrow worked with its Buffalo, New York neighbor, Aluminum Company of America, to perfect techniques which produced cast aluminum body panels as thin as an eighth of an inch. The resulting Pierce-Arrow bodies were exceptionally strong, lightweight, and came in a remarkable array of styles, from open touring cars to fully enclosed limousines.

The fourth-series Pierce-Arrows, introduced in 1916, offered subtle improvements and were received enthusiastically by their elite clientele. At $5,900, this 1917 Model 38 C-4 Open-Front French Brougham was among the most expensive of the fourteen different body styles offered by Pierce-Arrow for the entry-level Model 38 line.

Its fascinating history can be traced back to the original owner, F. Robert Greene of Boston, whose family retained it for decades. It was later acquired by Sully Garganino, a legendary figure in the Boston area. He made use of his many contacts in the recycling business to build an outstanding collection of early motorcars, renowned for their original condition and low mileage.

The Pierce-Arrow was later acquired by famed Chicago-based collector D. Cameron Peck and subsequently by Marc Ralston, who featured the car on the cover of his book, Pierce-Arrow: The Golden Age. Always admired by knowledgeable enthusiasts, this Model 38 has, in more recent years, been owned by noted collectors including Pat Craig, Harry Clark, and Doug Magee, prior to its acquisition by Mark Smith.

This magnificent 106-year-old machine has been preserved in largely original, unrestored condition, with less than 17,000 miles registered on the odometer when catalogued. A stately formal design, the French Brougham is appropriately finished in black, while the passenger compartment is opulently outfitted with blue brocade upholstery, jump seats, roller shades, a roll-up division window, and speaking tube.

Presented here is a rare opportunity to obtain an exceptionally original example from one of America’s great prewar marques, with provenance and originality that would be nearly impossible to duplicate.

*Please note that this Lot, like all vehicles in this Auction, has been in long-term static storage and may not be currently operational. It will require mechanical attention prior to any road use.

Gooding & Company presents and conducts the Estate of Mark Smith Auction under the authority of John J. Rendemonti, Executor of the Estate of Mark J. Smith, duly appointed by the Circuit Court of the State of New Hampshire, Probate Division, Case Number 312-2022-ET-00072. The Estate has compiled available title and/or registration paperwork for the Vehicles offered in the Auction and will provide such paperwork to the Buyer if it is available. However, as set forth more fully in the Conditions of Sale, neither the Estate nor Gooding makes any representation or warranty with respect to any existing certificate of title or registration with regard to any Lot in the Auction. Any Lot may be sold on a Bill of Sale. By participating in this Auction, all bidders and buyers recognize that Estate and Gooding have expressly disclaimed all such warranties concerning the availability or sufficiency of any title or registration documentation.