1937 Pierce Arrow Brunn Metro Town Car

edited by David Barth, 1 March 2009.
Courtesy The Automobile Driving Museum in Los Angeles, California, USA.
Photos were taken in January 2009.

Studebaker acquired Pierce Arrow in a 1929 merger. Sales in 1929 were at its peak with 10,000 units. However, the depression years were hard on both Pierce Arrow and Studebaker.

Although in 1933, Pierce Arrow stole the New York Auto Show with its streamlined silver arrow, designed by Phillip Wright. Sales dropped to 2,152 units in 1933, 500 units below the previous year and 1,000 below the economic break-even point. Sales continued to drop, and Pierce Arrow closed down production on May 13, 1938. A proud luxury-based company from 1902, with its distinctive styling of headlights built into the fenders beginning in 1914, was another victim of the Great Depression.

In 1937 only 137 Pierce Arrows were built, and in 1938 there were only 17 vehicles made before the company closed its doors forever. Pierce Arrow cars were some of the greatest masterpieces of the early 1900s. No expense was spared, and many were created specifically for owner’s, with the company complying with every request and demand.

Body Style: Metro Town Car with Custom Body by Brunn
Production: Total Production in 1937 was 167. This is the only Town Car made that year.
Weight: 5,700 lbs.
Horsepower: 150 at 3,400 rpm
Displacement: 385 cubic inches
Wheelbase: 144 inches
Transmission: 3 speed on floor
Brakes: 4 wheel, mechanical