Alfa Romeo Club meets at Old Wheel Restorations
From Barn Find to Chairman's Award Winner at the Lake Mirror Concours D'Elegance
By: Joanne & Brando Pistorius, Tampa, FL, www.OldWheel.com
Any car person who loves the roaring '20s era knows what you mean when you refer to the "3 P's." It is an acronym for the most popular of the high end cars of the late '20s - Packard, Pierce-Arrow and Peerless. But would you be surprised to know that Peerless is the most rare of the 3? Having been in production for only 30 years, today there are less than 350 Peerless automobiles known to exist. Would you also be surprised to hear that Peerless even outsold Packard in 1920? Yes, it is a fact. But interestingly, Peerless is the only company of the "3 P's" that did not go out of business. The Board of Directors of Peerless made the business decision in 1931 to cease manufacturing automobiles and change their manufacturing plant into a brewery for Carling Black Label Beer. They made one car as their swan song, a 1932 V16 aluminum bodied Peerless currently housed in the Crawford Museum in Ohio. With the end of Prohibition, and the advent of the Great Depression, sadly this was a smart business decision after all. Fine automobiles struggled to survive the challenges of the Depression and WWII.
This 1929 Peerless Sedan was a virtual "barn find" when Brando and Joanne Pistorius found it in Valparaiso, Indiana. This car was bought in a collection of five by the owner who had parked them in his barn for the past 25 years. Prior to that, they had been well kept in Pound, Virginia, as part of the Dexter Dotson Collection for over 30 years. After Mr. Dotson passed away in 1991, his widow put the collection up for sale. It was only after the buyers closed their deal for these five Peerless' did they come to realize that they were actually cousins to the Dotson's!
This 1929 Peerless Sedan is a Model Six-81, one of eight known to exist, and the only one with unique steel "artillery" wheels. While Mr. Dotson gave it a complete restoration over 30 years ago, current owner Brando Pistorius recently completed a partial restoration that came out just beautiful. The mohair interior was intact and in good condition, but the paint and chrome needed to be completely redone. Brando also made certain that the mechanical and electrical condition of the car would be in excellent running condition. The Pistorius are known for their touring and do not shirk from driving their beauties. They once drove their 1930 Packard from Tampa, Florida, to Montreal, Canada (over 4,000 miles in 23 days).
This 1929 Peerless is a 4-door Sedan with a Continental 6-cylinder engine, 66hp, 248.3 cubic inches, 116" wheel base. A roomy 5-passenger car with footrest in the back, handrail that holds a Peerless embroidered blanket, 3 new pull down shades for privacy and a mounted bud vase. The rear mounted spare wheel and 5 new whitewall tires complete the look of real distinction and class for this historic vehicle.
Pistorius' Rare Peerless Barn Finds Featured in
National Publication "AACA Speedster"
We are full service restoration experts who renovate extraordinary cars to their original glory, with great attention to detail and authenticity. Our expertise is in mechanical, body, electrical, interior, exterior and accessories. From Horseless Carriages to Hot-Rods, our show quality detailing of your exterior, interior and engine compartment will amaze you!
We love working with our car club friends! Satisfied car folks who understand the old car hobby appreciate our work and dedication, and have continued to recommend us to their friends.
Please make an appointment before coming to visit us!
Come join us at the Hillsborough Region AACA Club
(Antique Automobile Club of America).
This video is a short look at the quality work we do. Special thanks to our super talented son-in-law, Griffin Partilla, who created this fantastic video. And to the star of the show, our grand-daughter Lorelei, cheers to the next generation who love great historic cars!
YouTube Video (less than 2 minutes)
Old Cars Weekly "Car of the Week" features our restoration of our 1929 Peerless. Click HERE to read more...
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A 2 Year Restoration comes to the end, the 1950 Riley had its debut at the 2021 Gasparilla Concours d'Elegance!
Ron Martin & Brando Pistorius competed in last years Great Race. Click Here to see some photos from the road!
What's going on at the Pistorius' OldWheel website...
The Horseless Carriage Club tour stops for lunch at Old Wheel Restorations
We preserve history through the restoration of fine automobiles. We respect the craftsmanship and the technology that evolved to create transportation that truly represents art in motion.
We are always on the hunt for barn finds, rare collections, and unique autos. We buy, restore, and sell interesting cars to collectors from all over the world.
Old Wheel Restorations
www. OldWheel .com 813-917-9205
Below are just a few of the vehicles we have worked on. It is our privilege to get them back to their original beauty and running condition.
Old Wheel Restorations
formerly known as
Pistorius Collectible Autos
Classic Car Sales and Restoration Services
Odessa (NW Tampa) Florida
www.OldWheel.com
(813) 917-9205
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Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday
7:00am-3:30pm
Closed for Lunch
12noon-12:30pm