Notifications
Clear all
Topic starter
14/11/2025 9:57 am
1938 Pierce-Arrow Model 1801 Eight Convertible Coupe
1938 Pierce-Arrow Model 1801 Eight Convertible Coupe is an extremely rare and historically significant American luxury automobile, believed to be the last open-body car produced before the company ceased operations in May 1938. Only 18 eight-cylinder cars were built for 1938, with just three known to survive today.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 385 cu. in. (6.3L) L-head straight-eight |
| Horsepower | 150 hp at 3400 rpm |
| Chassis/VIN | Chassis number 2230001 (for a specific known survivor) |
| Wheelbase | 139 inches |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual with overdrive and free-wheeling |
| Brakes | Vacuum-assisted mechanical brakes |
| Original Price (approx.) | $3,375 to $3,630 (USD) |
Notable Features
- Pioneering Technology: The engine featured hydraulic valve lifters, a sophisticated and pioneering technology for its time.
- Iconic Styling: The car maintained the signature fender-mounted headlights, a Pierce-Arrow hallmark since 1914, providing an instantly recognizable appearance.
- Interior Amenities: The interior featured a rich tan leather interior and an Art Deco instrument panel.
- Practical Luxury: It included a passenger-side compartment designed specifically for a golf bag and clubs, and a stylish rumble seat for two in the back.
- Rarity: Records of Pierce-Arrow's production were destroyed when the company closed, but historians estimate that by the end of production on May 13, 1938, only 18 eight-cylinder and 22 V-12 cars for the year were completed.
Market Value
A specific example of the 1938 Pierce-Arrow Model 1801 Eight Convertible Coupe, which was part of the Academy of Art University Collection, was sold at auction for $280,000 in February 2025 by Broad Arrow Auctions. The average sale price for a Pierce-Arrow Eight model is around $94,318, according to Classic.com data.
John Bono
North Jersey
14/11/2025 10:26 am
What a magnificent automobile in a beautiful color combination. Thanks for the pics and all the info John.
Steve
14/11/2025 10:29 am
Despite your title, John. I greatly appreciate these American automobiles, and especially your images and brief histories. Thank you.
14/11/2025 10:56 am
I'm with David on this. I not only love these cars (My favorite era of cars is the 30's but I next love 40's and then everything else in between.) But regarding your caption - you're spot on. Older cars today, despite the efforts of those courageous few who spend the big buck on 100 point restorations for the sake and passion of the love of the automobile, knowing full well they may never get what they spent, back again.
This Pierce is one of my favorites. The 1801 Convertible Coupe is drop dead beautiful.
14/11/2025 11:19 am
It is a beautiful automobile and a gallant final effort from the manufacturer. Somehow, I guess it would be hard to imagine a 1971 or a 2005 Pierce-Arrow !
14/11/2025 1:34 pm
I love these posts as well. Interesting reads and beautiful automobiles. 💯😎
John Bono and Tony Perrone reacted
15/11/2025 3:28 am
(My favorite era of cars is the 30's but I next love 40's and then everything else in between.)
I'm close Tony, 30s, 50s, brass era.
Fabulous selection, thanks John
John Bono and Tony Perrone reacted
15/11/2025 10:29 am
The Pierce-Arrow is my favorite "Classic Car" make. To say, I'm absolutely "nuts" about them is an understatement. The Pierce-Arrow is the car I always look for at every show that could possibly have one. In all the years I've been attending shows, I've seen nearly 200 different PAs. They are, for me, the "Holy Grail" of classic cars.
Now for the '38, it is the finest made. This design began in 1936 and the '37-'38 are essentially the same with very minor modifications, this 3-year cycle is my favorite and a '37 is the only PA I've had the privilege to ride in. I've only seen one '38 in sedan form, the '38 is very rare, with few being built.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
Tony Perrone and John Bono reacted
Topic starter
15/11/2025 10:34 am
John, you're "Da Man" when it comes to the Pierce-Arrow.The Pierce-Arrow is my favorite "Classic Car" make. To say, I'm absolutely "nuts" about them is an understatement. The Pierce-Arrow is the car I always look for at every show that could possibly have one. In all the years I've been attending shows, I've seen nearly 200 different PAs. They are, for me, the "Holy Grail" of classic cars.
Now for the '38, it is the finest made. This design began in 1936 and the '37-'38 are essentially the same with very minor modifications, this 3-year cycle is my favorite and a '37 is the only PA I've had the privilege to ride in. I've only seen one '38 in sedan form, the '38 is very rare, with few being built.
John Bono
North Jersey
John Merritt reacted