Image of 1936 Pierce-Arrow Salon Twelve, sourced from hymanltd.com , Image Link.

Unveiling the Grandeur of the 1936 Pierce-Arrow Salon Twelve

The 1936 Pierce-Arrow Salon Twelve stands as a testament to an era when automobiles were not just modes of transportation but rolling sculptures of art and innovation. Born from the prestigious Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company, this vehicle emerged during a time when the world was on the cusp of monumental change. As a luxury marque, Pierce-Arrow was synonymous with opulence and engineering excellence, and the Salon Twelve was no exception. Among its many accolades, it was known for being one of the preferred vehicles of Hollywood elite and high-ranking officials, adding to its allure and prestige.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the Pierce-Arrow Salon Twelve exudes a timeless elegance, with its sweeping fenders and iconic archer ornament poised gracefully on its imposing grille. The craftsmanship is evident in every curve and chrome accent, reflecting a standard of luxury that few could rival. Inside, passengers are enveloped in a cabin where comfort and quality reign supreme. Rich wood trimmings and sumptuous leather upholstery speak volumes about the attention to detail that went into each vehicle. For its time, the Salon Twelve boasted technological advancements such as power-assisted brakes and an advanced suspension system that provided a ride quality comparable to modern standards. Color options for this grand automobile were as varied as they were exquisite, with deep maroons and classic blacks being among the popular choices. Body styles ranged from coupes to limousines, but it was perhaps the majestic sedan that captured hearts most readily with its balanced proportions and commanding presence.

Historical Significance

The 1936 Pierce-Arrow Salon Twelve not only set benchmarks for luxury but also for automotive design. Its V12 engine was a marvel of its time, offering smooth power delivery that was unrivaled by many contemporaries. This vehicle's influence extended beyond its immediate lifetime; it helped shape an expectation for what a luxury car should be—powerful, beautiful, and technologically advanced.

Performance and Handling

Underneath the hood lay a 462 cubic inch V12 engine that propelled this elegant behemoth to impressive speeds for its size and era. While exact figures vary, it's believed that top speed was in the vicinity of 100 mph—a remarkable feat in 1936. The acceleration from 0-60 mph was equally impressive given its substantial heft. On the road, drivers reported a sense of solidity and grace, with the car absorbing imperfections with ease while offering responsive handling for such a luxurious vessel. Driving the Salon Twelve was akin to conducting an orchestra; every hum of the engine and shift of gears played out like a symphony under the driver's command.

Ownership Experience

Owning a 1936 Pierce-Arrow Salon Twelve was more than just possessing a vehicle; it was an experience reserved for society's elite. This car served various roles from dignified daily transportation to being the centerpiece at prestigious car shows. Maintenance required dedication as parts were not as readily available as those for more common automobiles. However, those who took on this labor of love found immense satisfaction in preserving a piece of automotive history.

Fun Facts

The Salon Twelve has graced many collections over time, including those of celebrities like Bing Crosby. While not necessarily known for breaking speed records, it held records of another kind—price records during its heyday due to its unmatched luxury features. Despite criticisms over its high cost during times of economic hardship, it remained a symbol of status and technological prowess.

Collector's Information

Today, finding a 1936 Pierce-Arrow Salon Twelve is akin to uncovering hidden treasure. With production numbers estimated in the low hundreds, each surviving example is highly coveted by collectors worldwide. Values range significantly based on condition but can reach well into six-figure territory or more at auction due to their rarity and historical significance. Price trends have generally seen an appreciation over time as classic car enthusiasts seek to add this piece of automotive royalty to their collections.

Conclusion

The 1936 Pierce-Arrow Salon Twelve is more than just an automobile; it is an enduring icon that represents the pinnacle of pre-war luxury and design innovation. Its legacy continues to captivate collectors and classic car aficionados alike, ensuring its place in history as one of America's finest motoring achievements.

1936 Pierce-Arrow Salon Twelve Accessory Floor Mat - 12"X17"-AC 16Accessory Floor Mat - made of high quality black rubber with molded original emblem. Also designed to be sewn into new carpets. 12"X17", Each

1936 Pierce-Arrow Salon Twelve Accelerator Pedal Pad. Cement on type. No emblem-AP 121Accelerator Pedal Pad. Cement on type. No emblem. 2-1/2" X 10-1/8", Each

1936 Pierce-Arrow Salon Twelve Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. Sharp Emblem-CB 33Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. Sharp Emblem. 3" wide X 4-1/8" long. Pair

1936 Pierce-Arrow Salon Twelve Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. Sharp-looking Emblem-CB 34Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. Sharp-looking Emblem. 2-7/8" wide X 4-3/4" long. Pair

1936 Pierce-Arrow Salon Twelve Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 3" wide X 5" long. Pair-CB 35Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 3" wide X 5" long. Pair

1936 Pierce-Arrow Salon Twelve Hood Corner Covers. Flat rubber with original design-HC 20Hood Corner Covers. Flat rubber with original design. Used to recover old metal. Tall pad is 3-1/4" long X 2-1/4" wide. Other is 2-1/2" wide. Set

1936 Pierce-Arrow Salon Twelve Auxiliary Light Pad. 6" inside bead X 3" inside bead-MP 1202Auxiliary Light Pad. 6" inside bead X 3" inside bead. Each

1936 Pierce-Arrow Salon Twelve Auxiliary Light Pad. 2-3/4" wide X 5-3/4" long. Each-MP 1207Auxiliary Light Pad. 2-3/4" wide X 5-3/4" long. Each