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.
The History and Paperwork
Built in 1918, no doubt for the French military
First registered in the UK in 1965, according to the DVLA
Restored for the previous owner in 2000
Took part in the Brighton Run in 2007 and 2009
Purchased from the previous owner's estate in 2013
Some paperwork available from the early 2000s onwards with no prior history
Service history is fair with incomplete paperwork, some invoices, and service book stamps present
The Condition
Restored inside and out at the turn of the millennium
Some patina has set in, though it's remarkably minor
Some very slight branch scratches on the sides
Wheel spokes would benefit from being re-varnished
Near side rear wheel has a piece on the rim that could use a new piece of wood inserted
The underside is very solid and well-presented
The wood panel rear bay is nicely kept and appears free of rot
The cabin, too is in good order
The sole gauge glass is broken though this doesn't appear to be working
The cab is carrying both French and English instruction plates, hinting at the truck's heritage
The seats are reupholstered and in good, rip-free condition
Floors are solid and well-presented
Fitted with an electric interior light
The Mechanics
4,532cc 4-cylinder T-Head engine
Manual transmission with 4 gears
Engine bay is in excellent order
Just had a reconditioned Magneto fitted
Comes with a spare included in the sale
Fitted with Dynostart for electric start
New stainless steel fuel tank
We understand the van is starting and driving as expected
We've no reports of any mechanical issues
BEFORE YOU BUY
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