Peerless Model 56 (V8) History

Peerless introduced its first V8 engine in 1915, following Cadillac's landmark V8 of a year earlier, and built it into the Model 56. It was one of the earliest American V8-powered cars and signalled Peerless's intent to stay at the technical front of the luxury market.

The Model 56's side-valve V8 displaced about 332 cubic inches and produced roughly 80 horsepower, paired with a four-speed transmission, in a range of open and closed bodies. It became the company's staple model and its post-war volume peaked at 6,213 cars in 1920.

The V8 strategy kept Peerless relevant through the late 1910s and early 1920s, but the company would later turn to bought-in engines from Continental as costs and competition mounted in the prestige class.