Back in the rapidly developing days of the Edwardian motor industry, Pierce-Arrow were one of the 'Three Ps' of motordom, sitting comfortably alongside their rivals of Peerless and Packard. Predominantly, the company were doing a roaring trade in motor cars for the well-to-do, where they were garnering one of the biggest reputations in the industry for build quality, performance and sheer comfort. 

However, they were anything if a one-trick pony. Their commercial trade was becoming quite the money maker, thanks in no small part to the fact that Pierce motors were big. Big frames, big engines, big cabins and wheelbases - it was a natural transition. Indeed, many Pierce-Arrow cars had already been disassembled and rebuilt into wagons already, particularly by city fire departments. 

The 2-Ton Truck was one of the key examples of this burgeoning commercial development. With its unusual tall, narrow profile, it was proudly reported by the Buffalo firm that it had come from 'five years of constant experiment', and it certainly seemed to pay off. What seems rather primitive to the modern eye was quite a revelation for its era, offering a smoother, quieter drivetrain than many of its chain-driven contemporaries. The two-ton X-2 came along in 1913 and evolved into the X-3 in 1914, followed by the X-4 in 1918.

During the First World War, these were ordered in their tens of thousands for military service, to such an extent that Pierce wagons made up the bulk of the French and English military. That not only made them enormously prolific and profitable, but widely recognised. You just couldn't buy that kind of marketing in a world of patriotic bluster, and many trucks returned from service with commercial operations sapping them up enormous numbers. 

This particular example comes to us as a remarkable survivor in fine condition, with an attractive, lightweight wooden body and a sizeable bay accompanying its rather austere specification. Previously restored in 2000, this vehicle reportedly arrived in England in 1965, and may well have been a piece of French military equipment. 

These trucks have become remarkably rare, and highly valuable - and we've no doubt this one will attract plenty of attention.

 

BEFORE YOU BUY 

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..