Unrestored Time Capsule: 1934 Pierce-Arrow 840 A
This 1934 Pierce-Arrow 840 A sedan is claimed to be a low mileage survivor, with a genuine 11,600 miles on the clock. The sedan bodied version of the 840 is a three-owner car that remains in excellent, unrestored condition with excellent cosmetics. While the coupe bodies tend to bring more money, there’s nothing wrong with a handsome suicide sedan like this. Find the Pierce-Arrow listed here on eBay with bidding just over $22,000 and no reserve.
The word “survivor” is used quite frequently these days, to the point that it demands independent verification in some cases that a car is as genuine as advertised. I would say this is not necessarily due to suspicion, but simply because some cars appear too good to be true. To see all the factory correct details still intact on this Pierce-Arrow really is mind-blowing, with many rare factory options still installed.
The suicide doors are the icing on the cake of a striking design, and the interior presents as nicely as the outside. It really is hard to believe a car of this age could survive all of these years in such pristine condition, even with the most careful of owners looking after it. The wood trim and cloth seating show no signs of damage or deterioration, and the seller notes just some cosmetic cracking in the steering wheel.
Factory options include opera lights, leather trunk, radio, and visors. The 840 A models came with a 385 CID straight-eight engine, and the seller notes both engine and transmission function as intended. The car will come with new tubes and tires, but aside from that, no major alterations are noted. This Pierce-Arrow is available due to the owner’s illness with a clean title after years of being stored in a collection.
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Comments
Absolutely LOVE it. I’d take this one any day, but don’t have the time or money for it.
Really disappointed I can’t have it.
I agree. I would like to be buried in it!!!
Skeptical…
Agree. That seat upholstery doesn’t look original to me. It should be all brown
Early this morning I attempted to send to lengthy comments with data validating your position. Did not post. Perhaps a computer glitch or BF axed b/c too many words. —- This did post —- Will resend data.
Long data comment did not post. Will post link:
https://car-from-uk.com/sale.php?id=500437
Read detailed engine rebuild info!
Thanks JamesHGF. According to this ad for this car it HAS been restored. BUYER BEWARE!!!! Someone in one of these ads may not be telling the whole truth. Still a beautiful car.
Beautiful car, but not my cup of tea. I like cars I grew up with or the cars I remember. None of these in my neighborhood, that is for sure. But, if you grew up somewhere else and it is what Mom used to go out and buy eggs in, then more power to ya.
Built in my hometown. Buffalo Ny!!!!
Very pretty, looks like it could win prizes easily as is.
Damn! That is an IMPRESSIVE car! :-O
Love the REAL trunk.
& the twin fender-mounted spare tire/wheels.
VERY hard to believe that this 85 year old car has not had SOME level of restoration over the years. …perhaps just at a “preservation” level (& not to the level of being “restoration”)?
Regardless, it is a sweet car that would easily win awards at most any car show.
I’ll bet it rides nice, & probably drives straight as an arrow!
:-)
My dad had this model in the late 50s. It would be like me having a 1996 Caddy now. A big difference is the ride, which is as smooth and quiet as it gets, and also the driving experience. That 8 pulls like a train and the elegance is off the charts. It’s worth every penny if you have enough pennies.
Those so called “suicide doors” is an abomination, as per my “Wraith’s” owners manual, they are appropriately called “carriage doors”.
Amazing car. Is this year and Make on a Classic collectible list? !934, built in the depth of the ‘depression’……..The original owners were people of means. Anyone else check out the gauge on the left side of the dash with 2 knobs on it, I think it may be a radio, look at the dial….and looks like an antenna near the right spare. Wow…nothing noted in the description of the car. Super rare………
Oops, radio was listed by BF as an option but I didn’t see it in the Ebay listing…………….
Magnificent car that was as good as it got in the 1930s. One of the 3 P’s along with Packard and Peerless, this was one of the most expensive cars you could buy in 1934 with prices from $2,800 to $5,000 (equal to $95,000 today). An absolute beauty and an elegant example of the best America had to offer in 1934. The coupes are worth more but the sedans aren’t cheap either. Should bring somewhere around $70k, maybe more given it’s stunning original condition.
I so want this to be true. This car, this color, this mileage and this condition. Amazing. If it is, then it is truly, “Miracle on 1934 Street”.
If I had not just bought another car last month, I would be bringing this one home. The car is green and I am green with envy that I can’t buy it right now. Best of luck to the new owner. You are getting a wonderful car.
Less than 12,000 miles and droopy door handles? When were springs invented? Hard to believe a quality brand would allow that. Always loved P-A headlights; were the fenders stamped that way, or was the headlamp torpedo a separate stamping/casting?
$30,200.00 1 day 22 hours to go. Really nice car. Reasonable price point today. Interested to see how high it goes.
There’s one of these coming up for auction in Suwannee, Georgia. I don’t know but it might be the same car. Beautiful machine That would look great in my driveway, but I can see the price is going out of my range.
God bless America
Beautiful car. It makes you wonder how many undiscovered cream puffs are still out there.
Pierce-Arrow = America’s Rolls-Royce.
For every 10 Packards you see, you will only see one Pierce.
I, too, think the seat upholstery has been re-done.
For those who skip my reply to Paolo above – link detailing the engine restoration & more on this PA 840A:
https://car-from-uk.com/sale.php?id=500437
In 15 min web search this am found multiple for sale listings across country – CA to Florida and apparent $45k sale in CO. Now listed on eBay above. Always with only 3 owners. One site even recorded a 100K plus milage that wasn’t apparent typo though I discounted it. Odometer from 11,500 to 11,600 only increased in single or low double digits as it crossed country. Has engine been properly run in? Caveat Emptor, eh?
Good work! That answers a few questions and raises many more. Proceed with caution.
“original never restored” there is nothing original about this car – paint on body, wheels and engine, upholstery, carpets – none are original – look at the modified headlights with sealed beams and the green painted window surrounds (supposed to be woodgrained). I don’t know what’s worse – the seller making the ridiculous claim that it’s unrestored or all the folks here who believe it…
JC,
Not only can you see the interior window reveal moldings are painted instead of wood grained, note the door post in the same photo, the rubber bumpers that the doors close against are also painted green. They should be black hard rubber.
The original upholstery in such an upscale vehicle should have been 100% English wool broadcloth, without any pattern woven into the fabric. What I’m seeing is modern synthetic velour & patterned fabrics.
This is likely a 1960s or 1970s “driver” restoration, done at a time when the last few years of Pierce-Arrow sedans were worth very little money or attention.
That is the beauty of BF. If we don’t know the truth, someone does and educates us. And we thank you.
What do you think this car is worth in this condition?
Sold for $32,200.00
I am not sure that this sold.
Last time I looked was around 32 and reserve was not reached ???
It was a “NO RESERVE COLLECTIBLE” eBay auction – listed as sold this morning:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/153708125606
I just emailed the seller – surprise surprise the “deal fell through”. Wow that happened very quickly…
New owner here……2nd backup bidder, “Bought It Now” for my high bid on an eBay “2nd chance offer”. Interesting “movie car” history, too–a bit of which can be found online.
Classic Studebaker President fan, know a little about PAs. Don’t disagree with ANY of the comments–positive or negative. Well….except that I am not worthy of being buried in it–but it better darn well be parked outside the funeral home for my visitation!
All your thoughts are welcome. Alway eager to learn more. I’m happy!
Great purchase. Let me know how that radio works!
You still got a Pierce Arrow bro…..how many people can say that? Enjoy it!!
Stan, Do you have the car for sale at a dealer in El Paso, IL? This car is for sale on Hemmings there.
If so, can I ask how it runs and drives? What repairs are needed? And why you are selling it?
Thanks, Joe [email protected]
Enjoy that beautiful car. Wish it were parked in my garage…
Congrats on a good buy! You scored! Wish it were me! 👍