Introduced in 1903, the Pierce Motorette was the first production automobile from the Buffalo, New York-based brand to feature an engine of the company’s own manufacture. Prior to the Motorette, Pierce utilized De Dion-Bouton engines in their own rolling chassis. The 8M Motorettes were convenient early transportation with their Stanhope-style coachwork, which featured a foldout seat for two occupants in the front section of the vehicle.

This 1904 Motorette, chassis 650, was purchased by well-known early American car collector Jerry S. Foley III of Jacksonville, Florida, in March 1953. As noted in a vintage photograph on file, Mr. Foley restored the car later that year in an attractive shade of dark brick red with gold striping, finishes the car still wears today.

Mr. Foley later sold the Pierce to Arthur Watson of New Canaan, Connecticut, and the Motorette subsequently joined The William Alley Collection in 2013. Mr. Alley entrusted the car to G & G Restorations of Proctorsville, Vermont, which performed light mechanical restorative work without disturbing its gentle patina. With many of the few Pierce Motorettes that survive being held in institutions and museums, the chance to acquire such an early example, eligible for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, if formally accepted as an early example by the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain, should not be overlooked.

*Please note that this vehicle is titled by its engine number.