By Marc Ralston, Hardbound, 236 Pages, ISBN: 0498024512, 9780498024511, 1st Edition, 1980 - Second hand copy in excellent order with relevant magazine cuttings included by previous owner The most detailed history of one of the legendary marques that symbolized the golden age of motoring . . . a complete guide filled with facts, figures, and over 400 photographs. Let Pierce-Arrow carry you back to the golden age of automotive excellence. Those first four decades of this century were blissfully untroubled by gasoline shortages, factory recalls, or the proliferation of compact foreign cars. In those halcyon days, dozens of American manufacturers tempted motorists with powerful, well-engineered, meticulously built machines. And among such truly "classic" automobiles none were more respected for their quality, luxury, and prestige than Pierce-Arrows, which are the subject of this comprehensive and completely engrossing hook on a lost, but legendary, marque. Pierce-Arrow collector Marc Ralston has gathered what is undoubtedly the most comprehensive body of data on the products of the George Pierce Company. He traces the firm's history from its beginings, when the company built household utensils, through production of bicycles and motorcycles, to the peak of its success and renown when Pierce-Arrows were known as the cars of presidents, were recognized as being exemplars of advanced engineering, and were emulated by the makers of other cars. Everything about the company and its cars is presented with scrupulous attention to detail, with the unembarrassed pride and pleasure of one who has gained personal knowledge of his subject by diligent study and from the uniquely rewarding experience of possessing examplesof the creations about which he writes. This endlessly fascinating book is a feast of factual information that will captivate car collectors, aspiring collectors, classic car buffs, students of automotive history, and nostalgia addicts. There are pictures, technical and historical data, and revealing insights on virtually every model ever built by Pierce. No other book has ever attempted to supply so complete a source of textual and pictorial references on this topic. Every innovation made by the company, all the major personalities involved in its activities—an entire history of an important contributor to the American motoring story is presented, from the firm's inception to its all-too inevitable demise. In straightforward, readabte prose, author Ralston tells the whole story while giving practical advice for collecting these highly desirable classics. The book is a one-of-a-kind addition to the library of anyone interested in the artifacts of an elegant era we are unlikely to see reproduced in the future.
