The Stutz Blackhawk was produced from 1971 through 1989 by the revived Stutz Motor Company. The company had been resurrected by a New York banker named James O'Donnell. The original brand for which it is generally heralded failed in the mid-1930s and, during its brief two-decade existence, would leave an incredible legacy of racing success and automobile production. They quickly built a reputation for speed and performance, despite its low production, and earned the motto 'The Car That Made Good in a Day.'
CoupeAfter laying dormant for three decades, the name was revived as the Stutz Motor Car of America in August 1968. Apart from the name, it had no relationship with the original Stutz of the classic era. With funding from New York banker James O'Connell, and House of Representatives member for Oklahoma Howard Williams behind the project, the new company entrusted the vehicle's design to Virgil Exner. Using a contemporary Pontiac chassis, a 'big block' engine was installed, delivering over 400 horsepower. The Blackhawk, designed by Exner, was prototyped by Ghia and introduced in January of 1970 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. By the time production ended in 1987, an estimated 500-600 examples had been produced. All used General Motors running gear, a perimeter-type chassis frame, power steering, power brakes, and front disc brakes. All early Blackhawks were coupes, with sedans being added later, and a convertible called the D'Italia and Bearcat. Prices ranged from 22,500 to $75,000 (USD). The Design
Virgil Exner's designs for the Stutz were classically inspired, using orphaned brands such as Duesenberg, Packard, Mercer, Pierce-Arrow, and even Stutz as inspiration. Renderings produced by Exner for these 'Revival' designs were published by Esquire magazine in its December 1963 edition, with one of his drawings eventually entering production. Carrozzeria Ghia of Italy was commissioned to build the prototype at a cost in excess of $300,000 (USD). Unique design elements included freestanding headlamps, non-functional exhaust side pipes, a spare tire that protruded through the trunk lid, and a fuel filler cap positioned within the spare tire (on early models). Early examples were equipped with 17-inch Firestone LXX run-flat tires and rims.
CoupeThe interior used fine wool or mink carpeting, Connolly leather seats and dash, 24-carat gold plated trim, and redwood, burled walnut, or bird's eye maple accouterments. The instrumentation was available in both Italian and English markings. Special features included bilevel automatic air conditioning, a clock in the steering wheel hub (on later models), automatic headlamp controls with twilight sensor, Lear Jet AM/FM eight-track quadraphonic sound system, a cigar lighter, a liquor cabinet in the back, an electric sunroof, cruise control, central locking, and a burglar alarm. Mechancial SpecificationThe Stutz Blackhawk used the running gear of the Pontiac Grand Prix, with a length of over 19 feet long. Beneath the bonnet was a 455 cubic-inch (7.5 Liter) V8 engine paired with a GM TH400 three-speed automatic transmission. With 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, zero-to-sixty mph was accomplished in 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. Later Blackhawks were equipped with Pontiac's 403 and 350 CID V8 engines, while others used Chevrolet, Ford and Cadillac power. Disc brakes were at the front, drums in the rear, and the front suspension was independent via coil springs. In the back, the live axle was suspended via semi-elliptical leaf springs.
CoupeFollowing a redesign in 1980, the Blackhawk rested on the Pontiac Bonneville Chassis, and in 1985, it used the Oldsmobile Delta 88 platform (the same as the Buick LeSabre). Construction
The hand-built bodies were formed by Carrozzeria Padane in Modena, Italy, and from 1972 at Carrozzeria Saturn in Cavallermaggiore, near Torino, Italy. Each body was given eighteen to twenty-two hand-rubbed lacquer paint coats that took six weeks to apply. The total production for each Blackhawk was a staggering 1,500 man-hours.
by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2009
Coupe
Virgil Exner's designs for the Stutz were classically inspired, using orphaned brands such as Duesenberg, Packard, Mercer, Pierce-Arrow, and even Stutz as inspiration. Renderings produced by Exner for these 'Revival' designs were published by Esquire magazine in its December 1963 edition, with one of his drawings eventually entering production. Carrozzeria Ghia of Italy was commissioned to build the prototype at a cost in excess of $300,000 (USD). Unique design elements included freestanding headlamps, non-functional exhaust side pipes, a spare tire that protruded through the trunk lid, and a fuel filler cap positioned within the spare tire (on early models). Early examples were equipped with 17-inch Firestone LXX run-flat tires and rims.
Coupe
Coupe
The hand-built bodies were formed by Carrozzeria Padane in Modena, Italy, and from 1972 at Carrozzeria Saturn in Cavallermaggiore, near Torino, Italy. Each body was given eighteen to twenty-two hand-rubbed lacquer paint coats that took six weeks to apply. The total production for each Blackhawk was a staggering 1,500 man-hours.
by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2009
Related Reading : Stutz Blackhawk History
An American luxury car, the Blackhawk was introduced in 1971 until 1987 by the Stutz Motor Company. Designed by Virgil Exner, the Blackhawk was prototyped by Ghia for more than %24300,000. Unveiled at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City in January of 1970, the Blackhawk was met with excited response. Approximately 500-600 units ad been manufactured by the end of production in 1987. In 1972 the MSRP....
Continue Reading >>
Continue Reading >>
Similar Automakers
Similarly Sized Vehicles
from 1972
Similarly Priced Vehicles
- Lamborghini Espada 400 GTE ($24,500-$24,500)
Average Auction Sale: $34,462
1972 Stutz Blackhawk Vehicle Profiles
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
Price Comparison
Blackhawk Specification Comparison by Year
Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
Related Automotive News
SUBARU TO OFFER LIMITED EDITION SERIES.HYPERBLUE BRZ AND WRX STI MODELS
Limited to 700 WRX STI %26 500 BRZ
BRZ receives upgraded SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia
Rear Vision Camera now standard on BRZ
Exclusive Hyper Blue exterior paint and interior trims
Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru of America, Inc. has announced t...
SUBARU ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR 2016 FORESTER®
Forester 2.5i starts at %2422,395
New SUBARU STARLINK™ Safety and Security features
New STARLINK Audio Systems
IHS Top Safety Pick rating
Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the 2016 Forester, the compac...
Restyled 2015 Toyota Prius v Posts Big Numbers in Roominess and Fuel Economy
42-MPG Combined EPA Fuel Economy Rating Tops Set
More Cargo Space Than Most Small SUVs
New Front Styling and Taillights Sharpen the Distinctive Design
Upgraded Entune® Audio and Multimedia Offerings
Newly Available Power Drivers Seat
Upgraded...
MOPAR GOES ALL-IN WITH FLEET OF CUSTOMIZED SEMA SHOW RIDES
The 15,000-square-foot Mopar Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show display will feature Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram and FIAT brand vehicles personalized with Mopar products
Hundreds of existing and prototype Mopar parts and accessorie...
SUBARU ANNOUNCES PRICING ON 2015 IMPREZA® MODELS
Well- equipped Impreza pricing begins at %2418,195
Revised front styling with new headlights, grille and bumper
Rear Vision Camera standard across line
EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology now available
New Infotainment systems and features
Best fu...