The company failed in its attempt to build a steam-powered car in 1900 under license from Overman, but by 1901, had built its first single-cylinder, two-speed, no-reverse Motorette.

In 1904, Pierce decided to concentrate on making a larger, more luxurious car for the upscale market, the Great Arrow.

In 1914, Pierce-Arrow adopted its most enduring styling hallmark when its headlights were moved from a traditional placement at the radiator's sides, into flared housings molded into the front fenders of the car.

"[10] Industrial efficiency expert Frank Gilbreth, father of the authors of "Cheaper By The Dozen,"[11] extolled the virtues of Pierce-Arrow, in both quality and in its ability to safely transport his large family.

[12] Actor Sessue Hayakawa (famed for his role in Bridge on the River Kwai) drove a custom-ordered gold-plated Pierce-Arrow.

The association was to last for five years, with moderate benefits to both companies' engineering departments, which continued to function as separate entities.

[15] In 1933, Pierce-Arrow unveiled the radically streamlined Silver Arrow in a final attempt to appeal to the wealthy at the New York Auto Show.

Pierce sold five examples but, since it was priced at $10,000 (equal to $235,373 today) during the worst of the Depression, even the rich were hesitant to spend so much.

The Rio Grande Southern Railroad converted five Pierce-Arrow automobiles (and a couple of Buicks) into motorized railcars, effectively buses and trucks on rail wheels.

The nickname Galloping Goose was soon applied to these vehicles, reportedly based on their waddling motion and honking horn.

[16] Pierce was the only luxury brand that did not field a lower-priced car (e.g., the Packard 120) to provide cash flow, and without sales or funds for development, the company declared insolvency in 1938 and closed its doors.

The final Pierce-Arrow assembled was built by Karl Wise, the firm's chief engineer, from parts secured from the company's receivers.

[17] According to their (defunct) website, the company intended to revive the Pierce-Arrow car in the form of a Pierce Silver Arrow II.