Description
The Pierce-Arrow Model 38 C4 French Brougham, produced in the early 1910s, was a luxury vehicle known for its elegant design, powerful engine, and exclusivity. Part of Pierce-Arrow’s prestigious Model 38 lineup, this version featured a French Brougham body style, characterized by its enclosed rear passenger compartment with luxurious, refined details.
The Model 38 C4 was powered by a 6.8-liter inline-six engine that produced around 38 horsepower. Though relatively modest in power output compared to Pierce-Arrow’s later models, this engine provided smooth and reliable performance, well-suited for a luxury vehicle of its era. The Model 38 featured advanced engineering for the time, including a three-speed manual transmission, which delivered a comfortable and stable ride, ideal for chauffeured driving.
The French Brougham body style set this Model 38 apart, incorporating design elements inspired by European carriage-making traditions. The body featured a stately, formal look with an enclosed passenger compartment and an open driver’s seat, allowing the chauffeur to be exposed while the passengers enjoyed privacy and comfort in the rear. The interior was outfitted with plush upholstery, fine wood trim, and elegant hardware, creating a sophisticated, luxurious environment.
Pierce-Arrow was known for its craftsmanship and attention to detail, and the Model 38 C4 French Brougham exemplified these qualities. The company’s signature fender-mounted headlamps, a design trademark, added to the car’s distinctive appearance, making it instantly recognizable on the road.
Today, the Pierce-Arrow Model 38 C4 French Brougham is a rare collector’s item, appreciated for its historical significance, luxurious design, and status as a symbol of early 20th-century American automotive elegance.