As unemployment soared to its peak in the early 1930s during the Great Depression, extravagant American luxury automotive manufacturers continued forward with an arms race pushing engine specifications and lavish features to excessive levels.

In this era, multi-cylinder engines displacing over 400 cubic inches were standard in the world of ultra luxury and manufacturers like Pierce-Arrow and Packard both employed V-12s for their most grandiose models.

Pierce-Arrow highlighted the exclusivity of its automobiles and the sophisticated lifestyles of its clientele through advertisements featuring stylish ladies and debonair gentlemen enjoying their cars amongst country estates or high society.

When sold new in 1935, this Pierce-Arrow 1245 Seven-Passenger Sedan was one of the most expensive cars offered in the United States.

While unfortunately little is known about the original owner of this elite automobile, the accompanying files indicate it was well cared for over the years, as shown...