Why the Pierce-Arrow Bus Attracts Riders

From the start it was successful. Operators found they could make more trips per day. They found that the Pierce-Arrow Bus attracted more fares per trip, for people like to ride in a Pierce-Arrow.

It is long and low. It looks comfortable. It looks safe. It looks speedy. And it is.

Under the hood is a silent, six-cylinder engine. It has dual valves and dual ignition. It has "getaway" almost equal to that of a high-powered roadster. It is so flexible it will throttle down to an unusually slow pace in high gear. No need for frequent and fatiguing gear-shifting in traffic.

The clutch pedal depresses easily. Steering is effortless. The turning radius is unusually short. The powerful brakes bring the vehicle to a quick halt-so quick in fact that at a speed of 30 miles an hour, the driver can stop a Pierce-Arrow Bus in an incredibly short distance.

The Pierce-Arrow Bus sets new standards of operating economy. Tires yield unusually high mileage. Gasoline consumption is surprisingly low.

Most important of all, the Pierce-Arrow Bus has unusual freedom from mechanical troubles. This means freedom from excessive repair bills, freedom from costly idleness, dependability in service.

and a waste of overhead costs which continue whether a bus is running or not. Necessary repairs and adjustments must be made quickly and without delay.

Safeguarding the profits of Pierce-Arrow Motor Bus operators is a network of Pierce-Arrow Service Stations which covers the country. They are manned by mechanics skilled in Pierce-Arrow methods of repair and maintenance. At their com­ mand are modern tools, mach­ inery and replacement parts, backed by a standard repair procedure that makes such repairs uniformly low in cost.

Dual-Valve Engine

In place of the usual four-cylinder engine, with its many limitations, is the Pierce-Arrow Dual-Valve, Dual-Ignition, six-cylinder power plant-smooth, powerful, vibration1essandsilent. In principle, it is similar to the famous Dual-Valve passenger car engine, recogni~ed as the most efficient engine of its stroke and bore ever designed. As devel­ oped especially for the Pierce-Arrow Motor Bus chassis, it possesses a performance which far surpasses all previous standards of motor bus operation.

An Engine Designed for Bus Work

Every unit of the Pierce-Arrow Model Z Motor Bus was designed solely for motor bus requirements. For instance, in place of the usual four-cylinder engine with its many limitations, is the Pierce-Arrow Dual-Valve, Dual-Ignition six cylinder power plant-smooth, powerful, vibration less and silent.

Dual valves and dual ignition are two important factors contributing to the remarkable performance and economy of this engine. Two inlet valves admit a maximum charge of explosive mixture. Two spark plugs insure quick and positive ignition at opposite points in the combustion chamber. Two exhaust valves completely scavenge each cylinder of all burnt gases, leaving none to contaminate and weaken the incoming fuel charge.

This perfect combustion insures unusual freedom from carbon and valve troubles.

are checked on delicate scales, so that the weight of each unit in every set is the same to preserve perfect balance and prevent vibration.

The force feed pressure oiling system insures ample lubrication at every vital point, thus lengthening the life of the engine.

You Can Pay for a Pierce-Arrow Bus As It Earns

Because the Pierce-Arrow Motor Bus is a recogni~ed money earner, you can make its earnings help pay for it. This sound business practice is endorsed by the Pierce-Arrow Finance Corporation, a Pierce-Arrow Banking institution. Any Pierce-Arrow Distributor will explain the liberal terms which may be arranged.

Ask for a Demonstration

We invite you to a complete demonstration of the Pierce­ Arrow Motor Bus. It will be given gladly without obligating you. Write us at the factory, or communicate with your nearest Pierce-Arrow Distributor.

FOR suburban and city service the street-car pay~enter bus best meets the requirements of this strenuous type of work. The fleet of Pierce-Arrow street car type busses shown on the obverse page has recently been placed in service in Monterey Heights and Westwood Highlands, San Francisco suburbs, for connection with the city's electric lines.

These busses have a capacity of 29 passengers and driver. Six two-passenger seats are placed each side of the aisle with a five-passenger tonneau seat in the rear. These seats are of the street car type and covered with rattan. An upholstered bucket seat is provided for the driver.

Windows are constructed with brass sash, thick plate glass being used. Instead of dropping into the panel, the windows raise as is customary with standard street car type construction. Pullman type roller curtains are provided.

A Pantesote curtain is furnished to draw down around the driver for night driving, shielding his eyes from the lights inside the bus. A rear vision mirror and sun visor is also provided.

FOR city and town work the standard street car pay~enter type of body is especially adapted. Service such as this requires a sturdy body that is light in weight, with entrance low and wide, a door operated with little effort on the driver's part and a seating arrangement that allows passengers to easily find a seat and leave quickly when arriving at their destination.

In this body built by the Brown Body Corporation these requirements have been met in a most successful way. Brown bodies are unusually light in weight and strong. The seating arrangement is well designed, and the door control, which is full ball-bearing, operates with ease.

The window construction is a Brown patent and is of aluminum. The roof is so constructed that the windows raise up into the roof. They are adjustable to several heights. The three windows in the rear are stationary and are protected by guards.

DESIGNED for sight-seeing work among the mountains and canyons that surround Salt Lake City, this Pierce-Arrow de luxe bus shows the possibilities of the adaption of Buffalo bodies to special work.

The large plate glass windows found in the roof are of special interest, enabling overhead vision. Another feature of the roof construction is the pull curtains in the interior which allow the glass windows to be covered when not in use.

A large fleet of these busses is now in use in Salt Lake City, being operated by the Pierce-Arrow Sightseeing Company. They are finished in shining white enamel and each bus is individualized by a name that is typically "Utah" such as: Bee Hive, Sego Lily, Seagull, Silver, Copper, etc.

Each bus has a front entrance and a lengthwise aisle between two rows of upholstered seats. At the rear is an observation platform similar to those found on Pullman observation cars. It is shaded with an awning and provided with revolving chairs.

THE CARAVAN - a de luxe traveling home, shows an interesting adaption of the Pierce-Arrow bus chassis for use of the individual owner. This special body, mounted on a Model Z 220 inch wheelbase chassis, contains every convenience found in a modern home. The most ingenious of devices have been utilized to use every inch of space without cramping the occupants.

The main compartment has the luxury of a modern drawing room. Four comfortable arm chairs are provided for the owner and his family. A pullman rug covers the floor. Book cases, reading lights, pullman tables, even a radio, are provided. All windows that drop are provided with adjustable copper screens. The arm chairs become comfortable berths at night with pullman curtains shielding the occupants.

In the back of the traveling home are found the kitchen and bath room. The kitchen is equipped for all kinds of cooking and contains a refrigerator. The bath room is complete with folding wash basin, shower bath and toilet. A 30 gallon tank located beneath the floor furnishes the water supply. The pressure is supplied by the engine.

COMFORT of the most luxurious sort combined with the practical advantages of the pay~enter body have made this de luxe pay~enter bus one of the most popular types on the market today.

This vehicle offers the utmost in riding qualities and facilitates fare collections, for all passengers when entering pass through the front service door and by the driver's seat. The center aisle speeds up loading and unloading, while the additional service doors and driver's door assist in handling passengers with the utmost efficiency.

The Buffalo Body Corporation, builder of fine bus bodies, has, in the de luxe vehicle pictured on the obverse page, combined beauty of exterior with strength and lightness of construction that sets a new standard in coach craft.

The purchaser has the option of a number of seating plans which cover practically every type of installation where a pay~enter type of motor bus is desired. Baggage space is provided either at the right of the driver, in the rear, or on the roof. Folding taxi seats are provided where baggage space is located inside, which allows this space to be used for passengers when not required for baggage.

BUILT to the specifications of a railroad company's executives, this type of de luxe pay~enter bus is of interest to bus operators everywhere. A number of these busses were recently delivered to the New England Transportation Company, and were made in accordance with the plans of the company's transportation officials. They are especially designed for inter-city work.

The bodies, built by the Buffalo Body Corporation, are of 27 passenger capacity.

They are equipped with four doors, a right hand service door, a front emergency door at the left of the driver, a baggage door at the right rear and a left rear emergency door.

The baggage space in the rear measures 40 3/8 inches long and is 86 inches wide. This compartment is equipped with five folding seats.

THE Pierce-Arrow Observation Coach is an example of striking beauty in coach-craft, with appointments raised to such a degree of luxury that it more closely resembles a private owned equipage than a public service vehicle. Although this particular coach is used by the United States Rubber Company for tire testing and special demonstration work, busses of this type are meeting with particular favor, especially in California where they are used for long distance sight-seeing trips.

This de luxe type of bus contains everything that adds to enjoyment of the ride.

Easy chairs, wide spacious windows that allow an uninterrupted view of the scenery, unequalled riding qualities and the luxurious interior combine to give passengers a degree of comfort that is equal to the appointments of a Pullman Car.

In this particular car a plate glass observation "platform" with grilled railing gives passengers in the rear a full view of the broad highway as it unrolls behind them. Chairs in the front are of the swivel type so that the passengers can sit in any position they may desire. An awning protects the rear seat passengers from the glare of the sun and gives a touch of distinction to the stern of this proud vehicle.

A water cooler, fans, railing over the rear wheel housings for storing away luggage and other refinements are provided. The dash and color of the exterior make it especially attractive.

THIS body is a well known coach builder's version of the popular pay~enter type and can be used either for long hauls or inter-city work. Every inch of space in its commodious interior has been designed to give the passengers every comfort. Built by the Farnham Nelson Company, it is a splendid example of this type of bus. The wide spacious windows permit an uninterrupted view, while the comfortable upholstered seats give the riders the feeling that they are reclining in their favorite arm chair at home.

The best grade of ash is used for the construction of the frame work, pillars and door pillars. All body sills are reinforced with heavy forgings at the front around the cowl and at the rear with special iron brackets. Panels are of 14 gauge aluminum.

For door panels and for window reveals on the doors, heavy aluminum castings are used. A one-piece windshield is used which opens forward to any desired position and is thoroughly water tight. An electric sign box fitted with electric lights and destination wording is standard equipment.

THIS luxurious parlor car type sight-seeing bus has been especially designed by Alfred E. Bennett for sight-seeing tours around San Francisco. It has a capacity of 29 passengers and represents the most modern development in this type of bus.

Every detail that contributes to passenger comfort has been incorporated into the design of the body. Wide spacious windows allow full vision, while the luxurious wicker chairs with velour cushions and backs provide a restful seating arrangement.

The windows are equipped with regulators so that they may be adjusted to suit the passengers. Six large windows are placed in the roof, giving an opportunity to view canyon and mountain country.

An observation platform is provided in the rear of the car, similar to those found on Pullman observation coaches. It is complete with large plate glass windows, brass grill and canopy.

A large luggage carrier on the roof provides room for all the passengers' luggage and gives more space inside.

DELIVERY facilities in the oil business are of paramount importance. Up to the advent of a year or two ago of a suitable high speed vehicle, the radius covered from both warehouse or bulk station was 25 miles. Beyond this distance delivery could not be made, because the cost of delivery would absorb all the profit on the gasoline or kerosene being delivered. This was largely because the vehicle used could not travel over 18 miles an hour without rapid depreciation and high maintenance cost.

With the Pierce-Arrow bus chassis carrying a tank with a capacity of 750 gallons, a radius of 50 miles has been handled economically and two round trips per day with capacity loads maintained.

The development of the Pierce-Arrow bus chassis has fitted it especially for tank car use-the modern Pierce-Arrow bus chassis being of extremely rugged design, reserve power, capable of moderately high speeds and easily handled. Such design results in low operating cost and extremely long life of the vehicle.

EQUIPPED as a triple combination of pumping engine, hose carrier and chemical this form of fire apparatus satisfies most every need of the smaller city fire department or for residential districts in larger cities.

The six-cylinder dual-valve Pierce,Arrow engine drives a rotary pump rated at 750 gallons per minute at a pressure of 120 pounds. In a recent manufacturer's test this pump delivered 765 gallons per minute at the above pressure, therefore this pump makes a very satisfactory 750 gallon pump installation, being guaranteed by the makers to satisfy Underwriter's requirements. These, for a 750 gallon pump, are: 750 gallons at 120 pounds pressure, 375 gallons at 200 pounds pressure and 188 gallons at 250 pounds pressure.

The hose body has a capacity of 1200 feet of single jacket fire hose. Hose body is steel exterior and wood slat interior, built with the strongest type of construction so that it will give service over a period of years.

The fire engine is equipped with two standard Boyer tanks each of 35 gallon capacity. These are made of the best open hearth steel, highly finished. A five way by, pass is provided, with two and one-half inch connection for attaching fire hose to fill tanks through the piping, which is so constructed that either tank may be filled while the other is being discharged, or to run water through a chemical hose, to use as a deadener.

FOR van work the Pierce,Arrow Model Z chassis presents many decided advantages. In inter-city runs its speed enables it to cover more miles per day, even when fully loaded. Lack of vibration due to the six-cylinder engine, pneumatic tires and smoothly running mechanism is important, since it reduces the risk of breakage, especially when carrying household goods.

The flexibility and power of the six-cylinder Dual Valve engine does away with frequent gear shifting an important factor in eliminating driver fatigue. Another valuable feature is the sleeping quarters, allowing the crew to take turns sleeping while on long runs.

For city work this type of bus is also useful, its quick acceleration allowing it to make good time through traffic. It is easily maneuvered, an important point in narrow city streets.

The builder of the express van body shown on the opposite page is the Lauriten Company of Fresno, California. Details of body construction of many years experience have been incorporated into its design.