The story of this 1915 Peerless is not just a tale of an automobile but a journey through generations, filled with history, family, and the preservation of automotive heritage.
Purchased on June 19th, 1915, by a resident of Womelsdorf, PA, this Peerless found its first home with a successful cigar manufacturer, a man who cherished both his family and his automobiles. With a wife and five sons, the spacious seven-passenger touring car was a perfect fit for their needs, providing comfort and reliability for their travels.
Tragically, the original owner passed away in 1933, leaving behind a legacy that included not just his business but also his cherished Peerless automobile. Stored away for decades, the car remained a silent witness to the passage of time until 1963 when it found a new custodian: the great-grandson of the original owner, who was just 13 years old at the time and already had a passion for vintage cars, owning a 1929 Reo Flying Cloud.
With the guidance of his father, the young owner embarked on a journey to preserve and restore the family heirloom. Over the years, the car received some refurbishing, ensuring that its beauty and elegance would not fade away with time. However, it wasn’t until the mid-1980s that a decision was made to undertake a major restoration effort.
In 2003, after decades of careful preservation and intermittent refurbishment, the owner contacted The Motorcar Company of Staunton, VA, to perform a comprehensive restoration, breathing new life into the vintage Peerless. This restoration was not just about repairing worn-out parts but about honoring the car’s rich history and ensuring that it would continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
What makes this particular 1915 Peerless truly remarkable is its rarity. As the last of its body style and drive line, it represents a piece of automotive history that is truly one-of-a-kind. With major restyling and engineering changes introduced in 1916, the 1915 models became increasingly scarce, making this car a unique survivor from a bygone era.
Through meticulous research, it has been determined that this 1915 Peerless, with its 48 horsepower engine and seven-passenger capacity, is the only one of its kind still in existence. Its rarity only adds to its allure, making it not just a vintage automobile but a priceless artifact that encapsulates a century of memories, stories, and the enduring legacy of a family and their love for automobiles.
