For 1929, Pierce-Arrow debuted a new and thoroughly updated inline eight-cylinder engine to replace its respected inline six, which had been the marque’s standard-bearer in some form since the Brass Era.

At 125 horsepower, this new straight-eight provided 25 percent more power from fewer cubic inches with smooth, vibration-proof operation.

Not surprisingly, 1929 was the best ever year for Pierce, with nearly 10,000 cars sold, and optimism led the way into 1930.

Where most automakers designated their sporting open sedans as Dual-Cowl Phaetons, Pierce-Arrow chose the excitable Sport Phaeton nomenclature.

These cars have become among the most coveted of any Pierce-Arrow models and RM Sotheby’s is pleased to offer here what is surely one of its finest examples available.

Said to have been purchased new by a wealthy family of mill owners in St.

Paul, Minnesota, this Sport Phaeton, chassis 201664, is believed to have been exported to England just prior to World War II, where it was con...