1925 ALCOA Aluminum Sedan

01

Artifact Overview

The Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) commissioned several "all-aluminum" cars in the early 1920s. After extensive road testing, each car was disassembled and thoroughly inspected to determine the metal's performance. The project was a clever mix of cutting-edge research and old-fashioned promotion. This sedan, built by Pierce-Arrow and about 85 percent aluminum in its composition, is the only survivor.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1925

Creator Notes

Designed by John Burdick and Laurence Pomeroy of the Aluminum Company of America, Cleveland, Ohio; built by Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company in Buffalo, New York.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

33.102.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of the Aluminum Company of America.

Material

Aluminum (Metal)
Metal
Glass (Material)
Rubber (Material)
Cast iron

Technique

Die casting

Dimensions

Height: 73.75 in
Width: 69.75 in
Length: 194.5 in

Inscriptions

Plate on each side of hood: BODY BY / JOHN S. BURDICK / FOR / ALUMINUM COMPANY / OF AMERICA Shield on rear doors: ALCOA ALUMINUM / A.C.O.A.