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30/01/2026 10:35 pm
1934 Pierce-Arrow Model 1240A Silver Arrow Coupe
From the http://www...
The1934 Pierce-Arrow Model 1240A Silver Arrow Coupeisa rare, high-end luxury vehicle that brought the radical streamlined styling of the 1933 Silver Arrow concept car to a more practical production form. It is characterized by its massive 144-inch wheelbase and a powerful V-12 engine.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Engine | 462 cubic inch (7.6L) 80° L-head V-12 |
| Horsepower | 175 bhp @ 3,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual with synchromesh (2nd/3rd) and "free-wheeling" |
| Wheelbase | 144 inches (the longest available for the model) |
| Brakes | Vacuum-assisted four-wheel mechanical drum brakes |
| Suspension | Solid axles with semi-elliptic leaf springs (front and rear) |
Design & Styling
The 1934 production Silver Arrow was a "toned down" version of the 1933 show car. While the original 1933 concept had "slab-sided" doors and no running boards, the 1934 production coupe featured:
- Aerodynamic Fastback:A tapered rear profile and rounded lines that predicted future automotive trends.
- Integrated Headlights:Signaturefender-mounted headlampsthat were fared into the front fenders.
- Concealed Spares:Many examples featureddual sidemount spare wheelswith steel covers.
- Interior Luxury:Spacious cabins often trimmed in high-grade broadcloth or vinyl, featuring wood door caps anddual gloveboxes.
Production & Rarity
- Production Numbers:Approximately43 unitswere produced in 1934, with a few additional units built in 1935.
- Survival Rate:Historians estimate that only16 examplesof the 1934–35 production Silver Arrows survive today.
- Historical Context:Introduced during the Great Depression, the car carried a high price tag (roughly $3,895 for the V-12 model), which limited sales and contributed to Pierce-Arrow's eventual bankruptcy in August 1934.
Current Market Value
Recent auction data from 2024 and 2025 shows a wide range based on condition:
- High-End Sales:Pristine, show-quality examples have reached$235,200(August 2024).
- Recent Auction Results:A Model 1240A Silver Arrow Coupe sold for$70,000in June 2025.
- Retail Estimates:J.D. Powerlists average retail values for the 144" wheelbase 1240A around$88,400, with high retail reaching$129,800.
John Bono
North Jersey
31/01/2026 6:56 am
Always loved P-A automobiles and this pick is superb John!! What a beauty. Stout ponies for 1934; what a looker. Thanks for the great layout & info!
31/01/2026 7:37 am
Yes, thanks John, love the info AND the car. Extremely elegant.🤑
31/01/2026 10:12 am
Another of the American cars of the 1930s that I felt outstanding despite the depression. Thank you John for another interesting and statistic filled post.
31/01/2026 10:54 am
Brooklin did a superb model of this in 1/43 several years ago. Thanks for the pictures and writeup John.
31/01/2026 2:54 pm
Such a shame that this company didn't survive the Depression....such beautiful cars.
31/01/2026 4:02 pm
That's one classy car.
31/01/2026 9:18 pm
beautiful styling. I can always identify Pierce-Arrow cars in films because of their unique headlight style. Here's a story on one that sold for $70000 six months ago.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1934-pierce-arrow-1245-silver-arrow-coupe-2/
Thanks John
31/01/2026 10:11 pm
What a beautiful automobile !
01/02/2026 6:36 am
...never knew that P-A made a Silver Arrow coupe. Wow-wee! 👍 👍 👍
John Bono and Tony Perrone reacted