The Pierson Brothers' 1934 Ford Coupe – A Straight-Line Legend

The Pierson Brothers’ 1934 Ford Coupe

The Pierson Brothers’ 1934 Ford Coupe stands as one of the most celebrated hot rods in automotive history, embodying the pursuit of speed and aerodynamics. Built in the late 1940s by brothers Bob and Dick Pierson, this radically chopped three-window coupe took the California dry lakes by storm and became a symbol of innovation and excellence in hot rod engineering. It was a car built with purpose, designed to shatter records at the dry lakes and later at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Origins of the Pierson Brothers’ Coupe

Inglewood, California, was where the journey began for the Pierson brothers. They found a 1934 Ford Coupe for just $25 and quickly saw its potential as a race car. At the time, coupes were not considered serious hot rods by the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), but the Russetta Timing Association (RTA), which had just been formed in 1949, created a class for closed-body cars. This allowed the Pierson brothers to transform their coupe into a machine that would make history.

Their first move was to take the car to Bobby Meeks, a master mechanic working at Vic Edelbrock’s speed shop. Meeks suggested they drastically alter the car’s silhouette, which resulted in the now-iconic 9-inch top chop and the windshield laid back at a sharp angle. This created a more aerodynamic profile, which, coupled with the removal of the fenders and the addition of a midget race car nose, gave the coupe an edge on the dry lakes.

Record-Breaking Performance

The Pierson Brothers’ Coupe debuted at El Mirage, and it quickly became clear that the Piersons had built something special. Powered by a 267-cubic-inch Mercury flathead V8, tuned by Meeks and fitted with three Stromberg 97 carburetors, the coupe was an immediate success. It set a Russetta Timing Association record of 142 mph, a stunning achievement for a coupe, and soon became the talk of the hot rod community.

The SCTA had initially been reluctant to accept coupes into their ranks, but the success of the Pierson Brothers’ car—and others like it—proved that closed-body cars could be just as fast as roadsters. By 1951, the Pierson brothers had pushed the car to 153 mph at El Mirage, a speed that solidified their reputation as pioneers of the hot rod scene.

Hot Rod Magazine Fame

The Pierson Brothers’ Coupe wasn’t just a race car; it became a cultural icon when it appeared on the cover of Hot Rod Magazine in April 1950. The sleek, chopped-down coupe captured the imagination of hot rodders everywhere. The photo, taken by Tom Medley, showcased the car’s aggressive stance and innovative design. It was the first time many enthusiasts had seen a coupe with such a radical look, and it inspired countless imitators.

Bonneville Success and Evolution

After dominating the dry lakes, the Pierson brothers set their sights on the Bonneville Salt Flats. In 1952, they sold the car to Dawson Hadley and Jim Evans, who continued racing it at Bonneville. Under their ownership, the coupe set new speed records, including a best of 165.23 mph at the 1953 Bonneville meet. The car continued to evolve, with more powerful engines and further aerodynamic tweaks.

Restoration and Preservation

By the 1980s, the Pierson Brothers’ Coupe had seen many owners and countless modifications. It was eventually purchased by Tom Bryant, who didn’t initially realize its historical significance. Upon discovering its racing pedigree, he restored the car to its former glory and campaigned it at Bonneville, where it continued to set records. In 1991, Bryant’s team achieved a best exit speed of 227 mph at Bonneville, a testament to the car’s enduring performance.

In 1992, the coupe found its way into the hands of Bruce Meyer, one of the most prominent collectors of historic hot rods. Meyer had the car restored to its original 1950 configuration by Pete Chapouris and the newly revived So-Cal Speed Shop. The car’s restoration was so faithful to its early days that it went on to win its class at prestigious events like the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Restoration and Preservation

The Pierson Brothers’ 1934 Ford Coupe is more than just a car; it’s a symbol of hot rodding’s golden age. Its combination of innovative engineering, aerodynamics, and sheer speed helped redefine what was possible in the world of hot rods. From its early days on the dry lakes of Southern California to its modern appearances at car shows and museums around the world, the coupe remains a benchmark for hot rod excellence.

With its unmistakable chopped roof, slanted windshield, and streamlined profile, the Pierson Brothers’ Coupe stands as a reminder of the ingenuity and determination that defined the early days of hot rodding. It’s a car that has earned its place in history and continues to inspire new generations of hot rodders.

The Pierson Brothers’ Coupe isn’t just fast—it’s a legend.