You are looking at a 102-year old 100% original motorcycle (except the tires), stated to be perfectly maintained and in running condition. Only a dozen are known to be still in existence. It will hit the auction block April 20, 2013 at the 22nd Annual Antique & Classic Bicycle Auction in Copake, NY.
In 1896 George Pierce started to make bicycles, then in 901 Pierce-Arrow automobiles and in 1907 entered the motorcycle world through another Piece company under his son management. The 1st Pierce 4-cylinder motorcycle was produced in 1909 in Buffalo, NY. The 1911 model featured here Original features included 3.54″ diameter frame tubes, with the front downtube used as an oil tank and the backbone as the gas reservoir. Driveline consists of a compensating friction clutch, engaging teeth and drive shat. the 700 cc engine pushed the bike up to 60 mph.
Being the most expensive motorcycle you could buy in the USA with the company losing money on each one sold, trouble began.
To try to same Pierce, price was increased on each unit from $325 to $400, not far from a Ford Model T costing only $525.
Of course, it was a death sentence and the last Pierce was produced in 1914.
A real classic!
That Pierce is so beautiful it just takes my breath away.
It is hard to fathom anyone could design and build such a beautiful machine in the age of steam engines, floor length everyday wear dresses , and women not allowed to vote (!!!!). Mind you, how can anyone not appreciate a 4-inline? A 4-inline front-to-back!
I know of one here in Florida it’s Origanl paint Very cool
Anyone want to try riding it 60 mph on a 1911 era dirt road?
Awesome!
Beauty and engineering that will last pretty much forever….
The story goes something like this. When William Davidson was being interviewed in his office in 1915 the reporter asked him why Harley didn’t produce a shaft drive bike with rear suspension, 4 cylinders etc. William told the reporter to look out the window and read the name on the chimney of a nearby factory. It read FEILBACH. William said ” they and others tried most of that and they are all out of business”
That said, a very beautiful Pierce it is.
I thought Eric Buell had most people believing that he invented fuel tank in and oil in frame.
Auction is Saturday 20 April NOT 22 as published please correct your text.. Thanks Copake Auction
Auction is Saturday 20 April, NOT 22 April as published. Please correct.
Thanks Copake Auction
Owner wants a minimum of 145K so I am told. I with him luck. If I had an extra 150 kicking around..