Pierce-Arrow Motorette History

The George N. Pierce Company built bicycles and household goods in Buffalo before entering the automobile business. Its first car, the Motorette, appeared in 1901: a light runabout powered by a single-cylinder, 2.75-hp engine licensed from the French firm de Dion-Bouton, with a two-speed transmission.

About 170 Motorettes were built between 1901 and 1903. The bought-in de Dion engine was replaced during 1903 by a Pierce-manufactured unit, marking the company's first step toward building its own cars end to end — the foundation of what would become America's premier luxury marque.