The Pierce Silver Arrow was a luxury car produced by American luxury automaker Pierce-Arrow in 1933. Designed by Phillip O. Wright, it was introduced at the 1933 New York Auto Show. Five were built in a record three months.
Five production models were built, but they resembled a more typical Pierce-Arrow and lacked many of the unique features shown in New York. Only three Silver Arrows exist today.
Model Description
1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow
One thing I have been asked many times is why there is a need for the Museum. Well, we now have a vehicle I had never heard off and were not even aware of. It was only through a brochure advertising the model, that’s when I first heard the name Pierce-Arrow. So here we have a 1:18 scale die-cast with some plastic parts. And it stands out from many cars from this time period. How does one describe this car? Not something that would be able to be produced in our world today. But this was something very different back then especially during the Great Depression. It's something that would be associated with European makers like Alfa Romeo, Mercedes Benz and even Citroen let alone an American Brand.
The model itself when one unpacks it really stands out. That sleek body in silver with that red pin-striping is meticulously done. There has been a great deal of attention to ensure that this paintwork is right on the button. All the panels such as doors, boot and even the bonnet that's just like that period as well as that very small trunk open and close with minimal gaps The front doors are what they call suicide doors. And here is where we have a problem. You cannot open the front and rear doors as they will not open because the gap between front and rear is too tight. The split bonnet opens well, but its best view of the engine is to open one side at a time. It opens quite wide and stays open. One of the strange things that you will notice is that very tiny rear window and one can only wonder how on earth can they see behind when travelling. There are no external mirrors.
Interior
The interior shows that this is a very luxury car and it’s reflected in its design. The doors open to display the wood inlay on the door panels which is simply divine on this model. Door and window handles have been added separately and not as made as one piece like other models. Now I will speak of this hidden panel on the left hand fender that very cleverly hides the spare wheel. I have never seen this on any other vehicle. Everything is tight and in images of the actual vehicle, which I would point out that there are only 3 examples now in existence shows that the fit is tight and on the model it's the same. Seats are of the plastic that gives a soft touch when you feel it both front and back. The instrument panel is of the same design as those fitted on the Model T. Gearbox lever and handbrake are in the scale range. Overall this is very tidy and true to scale and looks like a real car.
Engine
The engine detail is very good and it shows this large 12 cylinder engine to perfection. With the split hood that opens and stays open one can get a
feel of how big this engine was. The very large air filter with the carburetor is very identifiable.
Parts like the radiator with its connecting hoses and other parts make this one of the best engines in regards to detail.
Boot/Trunk
Whatever you call it, there is very little space available. I am not sure how it was opened as there is no handle. I guess that that swept line on the back does not give much room for a large one.

Conclusion
This is a car that even back in its day, would have stood out in a crowd that still had the box type body. But this car was hand built and due to the depression, there was only a very limited market. Only 5 were built of which there are only 3 left, The price today must be considerable. Very little change from $3,000,000.
I love this model. If you are able to find one for sale, grab it. It was regarded back then as an extraordinary vehicle. This is one I have to give it a 5.0/5.0. Robin Finlay 30/08/2024.