Pierce-Arrow was one of “The Three Ps” of American motoring; along with Packard and Peerless, they were considered among the finest American-made automobiles of the early 20th century. Built without regard to expense, Pierce-Arrows were aimed at an elite clientele and renowned for their exceptional build quality. A 1916 advertisement from the San Francisco sales agent stated it best: “Pierce-Arrow cars grow old as gracefully as a fine oriental rug or a Chippendale chair. Changing styles can never break the seal of good taste that is on all artistic work of genuine craftsmanship.”

The fine example presented here is a fourth-series Model 38, the smallest six-cylinder Pierce-Arrow offered in 1916. Prices for even the most economical Pierce-Arrows started at well over $4,000 when new, and they were available in over a dozen catalogued body styles – including this sporting Five-Passenger Touring. Marketed as a low-door, five-place phaeton, this body style is sometimes referred to as a “walk-through” design because of its divided front bucket seats. Like most Pierce-Arrows, the coachwork is formed of lightweight cast aluminum.

For approximately 50 years, this Model 38 was the prized property of Howard Ehmann of Long Valley, New Jersey. Mr. Ehmann was an avid Pierce-Arrow collector who owned several important, early examples of the marque and served as a director at large for the Pierce-Arrow Society. During his long-term ownership, this car was pictured in Marc Ralston’s book Pierce-Arrow: The Golden Age, which notes that Mr. Ehmann had purchased the Model 38 from the estate of Hollywood actor Tyrone Power.

Acquired by Mark Smith in 2007, this charismatic Pierce-Arrow presents the way an antique automobile ought to appear and retains much of its original, albeit highly patinated, leather upholstery.

One of only a handful of original-bodied Five-Passenger Touring cars known to survive, this car stands as an enduring testament to the long-lasting quality of Pierce-Arrow automobiles. Recognized as a CCCA Full Classic and eligible for a wide variety of early motoring events, tours, and concours, this Model 38 is a wonderful survivor representing the apogee of a great American manufacturer.

*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.