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The Stutz Motor Car Company
The Ideal Motor Car Company was founded in 1911 in Indianapolis, Indiana, by Harry Stutz and Henry Campbell to build Stutz automobiles. They entered a Stutz they created under the name “Stutz Auto Parts Co.” into the Indianapolis 500, placing 11th and earning the car the moniker “the car that made good in a day” after they built it in less than five weeks. They began producing more of the race car, called the Stutz Bearcat, and eventually became the Stutz Motor Car Company in 1913, which would go on to produce high-end sports and luxury cars.
In 1919, Stutz left to form other companies, leaving Allan Aloysius Ryan in control of Stutz Motor, getting them into trouble for stock manipulation a year later, and bankrupting the company by 1922. The new owners brought in Frederick Ewan Moskowics in 1923, under whose guidance they pivoted to producing safety cars. In 1933, they began focusing on delivery vehicles, eventually ceasing production of automobiles after producing 35,000. In 1935, Stutz was again charged with stock manipulation, filed for bankruptcy in 1937, and was liquidated in 1939.
Stutz was revived in 1968 by New York banker James O’Donnell into Stutz Motor Car of America to produce neoclassic automobiles and saw reasonable success, though production was limited. Sales began to wane in 1985, and production ceased in 1995, with only 617 vehicles made, though the company still exists.
Throughout its checkered past, Stutz accomplished many things. They were credited with developing the underslung chassis and, at one point, was advertised as the “World’s Most Expensive Car.” Many celebrities purchased Stutz, including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Evel Knievel, Barry White, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Lucille Ball. In total, they produced 39,000 automobiles of various models.
The 1919 Stutz Series G Touring
Formerly part of the renowned A.K. Miller collection, this 1919 Stutz Series G Touring has been returned to running and driving order and is still as original as it was when it left the Miller barn in 1996. It is fitted with a DERCO luggage trunk, and the addition of Rudge Whitworth wire wheels and dual spotlights add an elegant accent. This car remains in such a superb original state that restoring it would be a sin.
ENGINE NO: G3658
SERIAL NO: 3658
DOCUMENTATION: US Title
FEATURES: Derco Luggage Trunk, Rudge Whitworth Wire Wheels, Dual Spotlights, original Stutz Oil Change Plaque on Dashboard
HISTORY: From the renowned A.K. Miller Collection, who began collecting in the 1930s, including some of the most significant Stutzes. Before or during his ownership, the radiator shell and headlamps were re-plated and during ownership, he replaced several small hardware pieces and installed a correct carburetor. In 1996, it was purchased by David Reeder of Fort Smith, Arkansas and then sold to Gary Kuck of Lincoln, Nebraska. It was acquired into the John Dennis Mitosinka Collection in 2006. Since leaving the Miller Collection, it has been returned to running and driving order.
1922 Stutz Series K Roadster
The 1922 Stutz Series K Roadster was a high-performance automobile known for its powerful engine and sporty design. It was a two-passenger roadster, often referred to as the "Speedway Four Roadster,” that shared many characteristics with the famed Bearcat series, but was distinguishable by a10 in longer, more comfortable chassis. It was popular, with a T-head, four-cylinder straight-8 4.7 liter engine with 16 valves and 80 HP. It operated with a single overhead camshaft and dual ignition, getting 92 BHP at 3,000 RPM. With a low-to-the-ground profile and dramatic, “all engine” appearance, it was designed for speed and racing.
Until entering the Dick Shappy Collection, the model seen here has spent its entire existence in Southern California, which explains the high-quality preservation that it displays today.
ENGINE: T-Head 4-Cylinder 16-Valve Straight-8 4.7 Liter Configuration
HP: 80
VIN#: D13642H
INTERIOR COLOR: Black
EXTERIOR COLOR: Red
BHP: 92 at 3,000 RPM
SPEEDOMETER: Stewart-Warner, Chicago, IL
"Stutz Indianapolis, Indiana, US. World's Champion.
World's Records for Consistency: 4 Consecutive 1st and 2nds. Records Established 1915.
World's Long Distance Records: 300 and 350 Miles. Records Established 1915.
Consistency Records Re-Established - Vanderbilt and Grand Prize Races held November 16 and 18, 1916. Vanderbilt - Distance 294 Miles Average 83.74. This performance by Private Owner. Grand Prize - Distance 403 Miles Average 83.74. This Performance by Private Owner. None of the above records equaled.
The World's Champions: The Stutz is a strong, sturdy car. It has a reputation as a fighter. It has never known a knockout, and seldom felt the sting of defeat. The race course has been its cradle. Racing has accelerated the development of the automobile. Among American made and European cars the name Stutz undoubtedly stands pre-eminent on the race course. Our engineers have the benefits of its first-hand experience and from which the 16-valve motor was designed, developed and produced."
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