1912 Peerless Model 60 Runabout

1912 Peerless Model 60 Runabout
Sold for US$ 440,000 Including Commission
Bonhams Auction, Amelia Island, Florida 2015
Engine no. 12970
824ci 6-Cylinder T-Head Engine
Single Updraft Carburetor
4-Speed Sliding-Gear Transmission with Overdrive
2-Wheel Brakes
Live Axle Suspension with Leaf Springs
*Runabout with a 13.5 liter factory engine
*Well set up to better cope with the power
*Nicely executed with plenty of brass
*Not much from this era can keep up with this
*Extremely rare model
THE PEERLESS MODEL 60
The old adage "there is no replacement for displacement" was truly taken to heart by Peerless. Even during the displacement wars of the brass era, only two manufacturers ever broke the 800ci mark. Peerless and Pierce-Arrow at 824ci together hold the claim of the largest engine ever fitted to a production motorcar.
Packard, Pierce-Arrow and Peerless, better known as the three Ps, were the major players at the high end of the American market. From 1912-1914 all three companies made both a 38hp and a 48hp 6-cylinder engine, but only Pierce-Arrow and Peerless would make a larger car.
In 1910 Pierce-Arrow made an audacious move by introducing a model with an engine displacement of over 800ci. This model would even better the massive Bugatti Royal by over 1 liter. This colossal but civilized brute named the 66hp could have been offered without a transmission for it had ability to conquer anything in high gear.
Not content with being bettered by Pierce, Peerless launched a behemoth of their own in 1912, the Model 60. At 826ci in six-cylinders it tied Pierce-Arrow for the honor of the biggest of the big.
The engine was a T-head design with cylinders cast in pairs. It had a cylinder bore and stroke of 6" x 8" and fed through two giant valves per cylinder. A central carburetor on long brass runners would feed the enormous engine. The engine just squeezes in under the top of the hood.
Far less known today than the famous Pierce 66 the Peerless 60 is equally refined and well-engineered. In 1912 at $6000 the model 60 it was actually priced slightly higher than Pierce-Arrows astronomical figure of $5750. This is likely a factor in why the Peerless are less common then the Pierce Arrows. The few 60s that survive today are cherished treasures.
To drive a motorcar with a factory displacement of over 13 liters is a something that needs to be experienced to comprehend. The chassis twisting torque that unloads when releasing the clutch and the slow pulsing exhaust note of an engine that makes nearly all its power at a few hundred RPMS is something unique to these vehicles.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This Peerless Model 60 was restored to its present configuration in the late 1960s. Based on an original Model 60 it has been modified to enhance its performance and looks. The chassis has been shortened and modifications have been made to the steering and brakes to better cope with the power. A modern starting and electrical system have been fitted. An overdrive has been added to allow for effortless high speed driving. The chassis has been fitted with attractive and sporty runabout coachwork.
The coachwork is well-executed and has fine tufted leather upholstery. The large polished copper gas tank is a prominent feature in the well-proportioned body. The looks are no doubt enhanced by the extremely long hood. Good brass lights and accessories adorn the machine giving it a great period look.
During the 1970s and 80s it formed part of the prominent Craven Foundation Car Collection in Canada, later being sold at auction to the present owner, a prominent European collector. Having resided in its current collection for approximately 20 years it has been well-cared for and used sparingly. Recently re -commissioned for road use and is reported to be performing well.
The result is a car of great fun and staggering performance. This car is quite light for its size and combined with tremendous power and improved braking and handling it is an absolute blast to drive.
The only comparable car today would be the Pierce 66 owned for many years by Henry Austin Clark. This stripped down Pierce "speedster" was a prominent machine on brass tours of the 1950s and 60s. The few other "60s" surviving wear their original type coachwork.
This machine promises to be a head turner as well as pacesetter at any HCCA gathering. With its incredible power packed into a manageable well-sorted package it should prove great fun indeed.
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Robert Myrick Photography