1923 Peerless Series 66 Speedster
The Peerless Motor Car Company existed from 1900 to 1931 and was known for building high priced luxury cars along with specialty vehicles such as military vehicles, an armored truck, and cars that would compete with Stutz and Marmon. After prohibition was lifted and an idle period at Peerless, they shifted gears to become a brewing company, but not without leaving a legacy. Peerless is known for innovations such as shaft driven rear wheels with a front engine, the first enclosed motorcars, drum brakes, and electric lighting.
For consignment, a 1923 Peerless 66 speedster, lovingly hand built with Peerless body panels and engine and drawing inspiration from speedsters produced by Peerless in the early 1900's, this car presents as a one of kind creation that was an active with events of the Veteran Motor Car Club of America and has had presence at Concours events and parades.
Exterior
The Peerless emblem is affixed to the brass radiator shell, flanked by Model 66 drum headlights with a number of flags and grille badges denoting its American roots. A Peerless winged motometer tops the radiator and behind it, leather straps secure the engine covers, covered in a dark red. This color also covers the angular fenders that dip to a midway step and hover over cream colored wire spoked 35-inch wheels. The builders, a couple from Colorado, dubbed the car "The Fearless Peerless" and these words adorn the cowl in period script and a number eight is on each side of the crimson gas tank. A wood trunk is on the wood base followed by a pair of spare wheels on the rear canted deck. Faux side exhaust on each side is a nod to Grand Prix cars of the period and a single oval windshield with a cast frame, handcrafted by the builder. It's all in spectacular condition and the only imperfections noted were some crackling paint below the floor edge and again on the bottom edge of the gas tank.
Interior
The bucket seats were inspired by the Mercer Raceabout, a fast car of the early part of the 20th century, and are made of elk hide, and that elk was harvested by the builder himself. It's finely crafted with vertical pleats and a padded lower, dyed in dark red. A tongue and groove wood steering beautifully shaped with knobby edges fronts a teakwood dash also made by the builder, housing several vintage gauges and the choke and throttle in a Peerless panel. The floors are fine wood and host the shifter and brake along with the starter and small steel pedals.
Drivetrain
Under the engine cover is a Peerless 322ci V8 said to have been rescued from a mill in the Midwest after years of service. The 3-speed manual transmission includes a Gear Vendors overdrive system so highway cruising is a breeze. The power is transferred to the rear wheels with 4.90 gears and mechanical drum brakes are on the rear wheels. The engine presents cleanly and includes an onboard oil can.
Undercarriage
Frame and underside components are red which contrast with the wood which looks good on this side too! Some oil was noted on the engine but there is no grease or dirt to be found, and certainly no rust. The dual exhaust bisects stock style mufflers before exiting under the rear deck. Leaf springs are utilized for suspension in both the front and the back.
Drive-Ability
This unique ride makes a wonderful sound as it stretches its 35-inch legs on our test loop. It's clear from the exposure that racers were brave souls indeed back in the day and they could not have imagined what technology would eventually bring to racing. At any rate, the car moves very well and we keep things at parade speeds as we test functionality. On this day, everything that was meant to operate in one way or another, did so as intended save for the odometer and speedometer. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
This special car is looking for a special caretaker, one who may be interested in the brass era, early speedsters, or one of a kind creations with meticulous craftsmanship. It's a unique opportunity for the discerning shopper and a chance to own a Peerless without peers.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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