Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow V12
Unveiled at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair Century of Progress exposition, the Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow was a breathtaking vision of automotive futurism. Designed by Philip Wright, the Silver Arrow featured fully enclosed fenders, a dramatically tapered tail, flush-mounted spare tires concealed within the front fenders, and a fastback profile that anticipated automotive styling by two decades. Built on Pierce-Arrow's massive 139-inch wheelbase chassis, the Silver Arrow was powered by their magnificent 462 cubic inch V12 engine producing 175 horsepower. Only five Silver Arrows were hand-built, each priced at $10,000 during the depths of the Depression — equivalent to roughly $220,000 today. The interiors were lavishly appointed with the finest leather, wood veneers, and wool broadcloth. Despite its radical appearance, the Silver Arrow was a fully functional automobile capable of exceeding 115 mph. The car represented Pierce-Arrow's desperate attempt to generate excitement and sales during the Depression, but the company would cease production entirely by 1938. Today, surviving Silver Arrows are among the most valuable and significant American automobiles ever produced.
With only 5 built, acquisition opportunities are essentially non-existent on the open market. All surviving examples are accounted for and housed in major collections or museums. Authentication requires extensive provenance documentation.
Only 5 hand-built examples were produced for the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. Each took weeks to build by Pierce-Arrow's most skilled craftsmen. The cars were displayed at the Century of Progress exposition.