A huge fan favorite here at the Cussler Museum is the 1936 Pierce Arrow V-12 Berline, with the color coordinated 1937 Pierce-Arrow Travelodge Trailer.
The Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company was an American motor vehicle manufacturer based in Buffalo, New York, active from 1901 to 1938. Although best known for its expensive luxury cars, Pierce-Arrow also manufactured commercial trucks, fire trucks, boats, camp trailers, motorcycles, and bicycles.
Pierce Arrow automobiles were considered a status symbol and were owned by many Hollywood legends.
In 1936 Pierce Arrow established the V-12 line 1602 models, with only 206 cars built. This particular Pierce Arrow is a Berline, which is basically an ordinary four-door sedan with a divider window between the passengers and chauffeur. Factory Berlines are quite rare. With a big 462-cubic engine, it could comfortably cruise at 80 miles a hour, reaching a top speed of 110.
But of course, not while towing the matching 1937 Pierce Arrow Travelodge Trailer. During the Great Depression many people took to the road pulling trailers, while the more affluent went for the more elegant Pierce-Arrow Travelodge. Finished in aluminum and sealed from top to bottom, they were well insulated.
The Cussler Museum Travelodge can sleep 4 people, and features a separate bathroom with sink and toilet. The exquisite interior was made from birch, and has an icebox and a heating stove. This Model B came at a cost of $845. Only 12 B’s are still in existence.
Pierce Arrow finally closed it’s production doors in 1938.
The Cussler Museum’s striking combo of this 1936 Pierce Arrow Berline automobile and matching 1937 Travelodge trailer were featured in Clive Cussler’s exciting Dirk Pitt novel, Inca Gold.
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