Description
1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 43 EDL (Enclosed Drive Limousine)
Serial No. 1500767 | 366 cu. in. Straight Eight | 137" Wheelbase
Few American luxury motor cars carry the prestige of a Pierce-Arrow. Built in Buffalo, New York, the marque stood proudly alongside Packard, Cadillac and Lincoln as one of America's finest manufacturers. Favoured by industrialists, dignitaries and wealthy families, every Pierce-Arrow was hand-built with uncompromising attention to engineering and craftsmanship.
Offered here is a rare and highly original 1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 43 EDL (Enclosed Drive Limousine), retaining its original factory serial number 1500767 and body identification 137-L-44.
Unlike the more commonly encountered touring sedans, this example is the desirable EDL (Enclosed Drive Limousine) body style, designed as a chauffeur-driven luxury motor car with a separate passenger compartment divided by its original glass partition. This configuration sits amongst the rarest and most prestigious body styles produced on the Model 43 chassis.
Condition Summary
All three Pierce-Arrow motor cars are presented as honest, well-maintained and highly original examples rather than concours or fully restored show vehicles. They have been sympathetically preserved and remain true to their character, displaying the natural signs of age and use expected of pre-war automobiles approaching a century old.
As illustrated in the photographs, each car is clean, tidy and mechanically presentable, with attractive paintwork, good-quality interiors and well-kept engine bays. While they present exceptionally well overall, they should not be regarded as perfect or freshly restored concours examples. Instead, they are genuine collector-grade vehicles that can be enjoyed, exhibited and driven with confidence, offering authenticity and originality that many enthusiasts actively seek.
Power & Engineering
The Model 43 rides on the desirable 137-inch wheelbase and is powered by Pierce-Arrow's renowned 366 cubic inch (5. 99-litre) L-head Straight Eight, producing approximately 125 horsepower through a 3-speed manual gearbox.
The engine features a nine-main-bearing crankshaft, pressure lubrication and a Detroit Lubricator carburettor, making it one of the smoothest and most refined engines of the Classic Era. Every engine was individually tested before leaving the Buffalo factory, reflecting Pierce-Arrow's uncompromising standards of quality.
The EDL Limousine
The EDL designation identifies this as an Enclosed Drive Limousine, featuring:
Separate chauffeur's compartment
Original division glass
Spacious rear passenger compartment
Folding occasional (jump) seats
Seating for up to eight occupants
Privacy between driver and passengers
These cars were originally purchased by successful businessmen, company owners and affluent families who employed professional chauffeurs, making them one of the most luxurious American motor cars of the period.
Originality
Following detailed inspection, this Pierce retains many original factory features including:
Original Pierce-Arrow firewall identification plate
Factory Serial Number 1500767
Original body identification 137-L-44
Original timber-framed coachwork
Correct side-mounted spare wheels
Original artillery wheels
Correct radiator shell and mascot
Original dashboard layout and instrumentation
Original steering wheel and controls
Original Detroit Lubricator carburettor
Correct straight-eight engine configuration
** Mileage is not verified - but shows 29 905
The engine number stamping has unfortunately become unreadable with age, although the original factory stamping location has been identified. Public factory records do not survive to confirm the original engine number from the chassis number alone.
Condition
This is an exceptionally honest and well-presented collector's motor car that has clearly been maintained with sympathy for its originality.
The black coachwork presents beautifully with excellent presence, straight panels and impressive door fit. The original side-mounted spare wheels, whitewall tyres, radiator mascot and brightwork complete the imposing appearance expected of a Pierce-Arrow.
Inside, the chauffeur's compartment retains its wonderfully simple period dashboard, original instrumentation and large four-spoke steering wheel, while the rear passenger compartment remains complete with its original division window, timber garnish mouldings and spacious limousine seating.
The engine bay also retains a highly authentic appearance, housing the famous Pierce-Arrow Straight Eight in largely original specification.
Historical Significance
The 1931 Model 43 represents one of the final developments of Pierce-Arrow's legendary straight-eight luxury motor cars before the introduction of the V12 models in 1932.
Although approximately 4, 500 Model 43s were produced across all body styles during 1931, the EDL Enclosed Drive Limousine accounted for only a small proportion of production, making surviving examples exceptionally scarce today. Exact factory production figures for the EDL body style are no longer known, adding further to its exclusivity.
Investment Opportunity
Genuine Pierce-Arrows rarely appear on the UK market, particularly in such an original and complete specification.
Combining its rare EDL coachwork, correct factory identification, highly original presentation and magnificent Straight Eight engine, this is an outstanding opportunity to acquire one of America's finest pre-war luxury motor cars.
Whether joining a significant private collection, appearing at concours events or simply being enjoyed on the open road, this remarkable Pierce-Arrow represents an increasingly rare opportunity to own one of the true icons of the American Classic Era.
12 main points
12 Main Selling Points
1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 43 EDL (Enclosed Drive Limousine) – A rare chauffeur-driven luxury model built during the golden age of American motoring.
Factory Serial Number 1500767 – Retains its original Pierce-Arrow identification plate and body code 137-L-44.
Rare EDL Coachwork – Enclosed Drive Limousine featuring the original chauffeur's division glass, offering privacy and seating for up to eight passengers.
Powerful 366 cu. in. (5. 99L) Straight Eight – The famous Pierce-Arrow nine-main-bearing engine producing approximately 125 HP, renowned for its smoothness and reliability.
137-Inch Wheelbase – The desirable long-wheelbase chassis, providing exceptional ride comfort and imposing road presence.
Highly Original Example – Retains its original timber-framed coachwork, correct dashboard, steering wheel, instrumentation, side-mounted spare wheels and many factory components.
Beautiful Presentation – Finished in elegant black with whitewall tyres, artillery wheels, original radiator mascot and impressive chrome detailing.
Spacious Luxury Interior – Well-presented chauffeur and passenger compartments with period trim, polished wood garnish mouldings and original limousine partition.
Hand-Built in Buffalo, New York – Crafted by one of America's most prestigious luxury car manufacturers, alongside Packard, Cadillac and Lincoln.
Increasingly Rare Collectors' Car – Genuine Pierce-Arrows are seldom offered for sale in the UK, with EDL models being amongst the rarest body styles produced.
Ideal for Shows, Tours & Private Collections – A magnificent pre-war luxury motor car suitable for concours events, prestigious rallies and investment-grade collections.
Exceptional Investment Opportunity – Combining rarity, originality, superb engineering and timeless elegance, this 1931 Pierce-Arrow represents a unique opportunity to own one of America's finest Classic Era automobiles.
