Pierce-Arrow Model 80 Classic Cars for Sale

History of the Pierce-Arrow Model 80

The Pierce-Arrow Model 80 emerged in the mid-1920s at a critical juncture for the American luxury car segment. The Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company, a stalwart of the so-called 'Three Ps'—Packard, Peerless and Pierce-Arrow—crafted the Model 80 to target a broader clientele beyond its traditional high-society buyers. Earlier Pierce-Arrow models were priced well above comparable Peerless or Packard vehicles. By introducing the Model 80 as their entry model, Pierce-Arrow repositioned its brand towards the upper-middle class while retaining its trademark build quality and aesthetics. The car’s competitive price of $2,895 and lighter, more manageable chassis—shorter by eight inches and over a half-ton lighter than its flagship siblings—propelled sales and broadened the company's appeal. The model served as a strategic bridge before the arrival of Pierce-Arrow’s straight-eight engines in 1929, marking a pivotal chapter in the company's history.

Model History

Launched in the 1920s, the Model 80 filled a gap between lavish, full-bodied Pierce-Arrow limousines and the market need for a more compact yet still luxurious offering. With a 3-speed manual transmission and a robust 4.7-litre L-Head inline-six, the Model 80 brought sportier dynamics to the company’s range. Designed as a five-passenger saloon, it introduced a more accessible model type to the Pierce-Arrow portfolio while setting the stage for further innovations, including the switch to inline-eight engines towards the end of the decade.

Highlights and Unique Features

The Model 80 is set apart by its combination of period-correct aesthetics and reliable six-cylinder power. Luxurious appointments, including elegant wood detailing and comfortable upholstery, differentiated it from more utilitarian contemporaries. Standard equipment often included wood-spoke wheels and a spacious five-passenger saloon layout. Thanks to its balanced weight and manageable dimensions, the Model 80 was widely appreciated for both city and touring use. The Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) recognises the Model 80 as a 'Full Classic,' ensuring its eligibility for many high-profile vintage rallies and CARavan tours.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

While the Model 80 range did not default to factory-commissioned special editions, many vehicles were individually customised upon original delivery. Luxurious interior combinations, bespoke woodwork, and accessory packages were common for discerning owners. Cars with unique provenance or documented period upgrades today stand out to collectors.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

No unique weak spots or specific issues are documented for the Model 80 within our available records. As with any almost century-old vehicle, ongoing care of mechanical systems, especially the complex wood and bodywork, is needed. Attention should be paid to the condition of original trim and drivetrain upkeep due to the vehicle's age.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

Powered by a lively 4.7-litre inline-six, the Model 80 offered one of the sportiest driving experiences available from Pierce-Arrow at the time. The three-speed manual gearshift was smooth and durable. Shorter and lighter than other Pierce-Arrow models, it responded crisply to steering inputs and proved pleasant on rallies and extended drives.

Popular variants included the five-passenger saloon, which achieved an excellent balance between comfort and dynamic touring ability. - Five-passenger coach/saloon: Most common body style, offered excellent comfort for its size and agile handling for a luxury car of its period.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

True to its 1920s lineage, the Model 80 displays classic exterior lines—pronounced bonnet, upright grille, and flowing fenders. Inside, buyers often specified premium upholstery and elegant wood-inlay dashboard details. Wood-spoke wheels remained a standard visual feature. The five-passenger saloon layout emphasised spaciousness and comfort for long journeys, with many examples boasting period-correct accessories and unique colour combinations tailored to original owners’ tastes.

Further Noteworthy Features

The Model 80’s eligibility for CCCA 'Full Classic' status grants access to major vintage motoring events. Its robust, original six-cylinder engine design and solid chassis continue to encourage use in classic rallies and tours.

Summary

The Pierce-Arrow Model 80 exemplifies the shift of a legendary American marque into new market territory—luxury motoring in a smaller, lighter, more accessible format. Today, preserved examples are recognised not just for their historic significance but also for their authenticity and suitability for touring events. Its blend of advanced 1920s engineering, classic styling cues, and comfortable interiors has ensured it retains a unique place in vintage automobile circles.