1916 Stutz Bearcat Roadster

This Bearcat was purchased at auction in 1966 from the A.K. Miller collection. It was a prized part of the collection and is rumored to have been A.K. Miller's favorite. Cosmetically, it has remained unchanged since its acquisition. Many Automotive historians and Stutz experts regard this to be one of the most complete and original Bearcats in existence.

Inspired by an Indy sports car racer built by Stutz in 1911, this version of Bearcat was produced from 1914 through 1917. It is powered by a 6,388 cubic-inch, four-cylinder engine. It was lightweight at just 4,500 pounds and had a 120-inch wheelbase. It also utilized an underslung design that allowed it to be constructed lower than most vehicles.

In 1915, Edward George 'Cannonball' Baker drove a Bearcat from San Diego to New York in 11 days, 7 hours, and 15 minutes to break the previous record.

Harry Clayton Stutz was an automotive engineer and visionary who built his first 'Bearcat' car in just five weeks in 1911, entering it in that year's new Indianapolis 500 race. When the checkered flag dropped, signaling the end of the race, the Stutz Bearcat was in 11th place, birthing the famous line, 'the car that made good in a day.' Its legacy had been forged at the speedway, and the cars that followed would emulate the characteristics of its forebear. A small line of sporty road cars produced in 1911 was followed by the famed Bearcat made available to customers in 1912.

You are not alone if you have never considered what animal a 'Bearcat' might be. Those who have tried to figure out the mystery have fallen short, and it remains a mystery. What the word 'Bearcat' conjures in one's imagination, however, is unforgettable and fits the character of the car perfectly. It would become the archetype of the American sports car and would even spawn the 1971 television show - Bearcat.

The Bearcat was built on a short 120-inch wheelbase platform and powered by a Wisconsin T-head engine delivering 60 horsepower and driving through the Stutz transaxle. The very minimalistic vehicle contained only fenders and lights, giving it lightweight characteristics that complemented the potent engine. The well-designed frame and careful placement of the components gave excellent weight distribution which was rewarded with precise handling and unrivaled performance.

The performance of the Stutz was demonstrated on numerous occasions by the company's 'White Squadron,' achieving numerous victories across the country with their pristine white racing cars and driver's uniforms. The Stutz became the automobile that buyers aspired to own.

The Stutz Bearcat excelled in its purpose, but its lack of practicality and high price tag meant it was built in limited numbers. The company's line of touring cars received the bulk of sales.

This particular Stutz 4C Bearcat was once part of the Aleksander Kennedy 'AK' Miller collection in East Orange, Vermont. It was one of approximately 30 Stutz cars in the collection, many acquired directly from the Stutz Factory. After failing to pay taxes, the government ordered a liquidation auction of all the property after Miller's death and the funds were used to fulfill unpaid tax debts. The liquidation auction was conducted by Christie's in 1996, and this Bearcat proved to be the most contested, most valuable, and most expensive Stutz sold at the auction (or any auction up to that point). The winning bidder was soon offered a substantial profit on his new purchase but flatly turned it down.

This is a late-production Bearcat, which means it has the aesthetic and mechanical refinement forged through its longevity. The wire spoke wheels were a period option that added nearly $500 extra to the base price. The C Series included a reliable factory electric starting system that rendered the starting handle obsolete.

The 360 cubic-inch T-head inline four-cylinder engine has a single Stromberg carburetor and produces 60 horsepower at 1,200 RPM. There is a three-speed transaxle, a semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension, and rear drum brakes with twin expanding shoes.

The winning bidder at the auction is the car's current caretaker. Upon purchase, the car was sent to the late Paul Freehill for recommissioning, returning it to excellent operational standard, which has been maintained to this day. It has survived with a high degree of originality, including a lot of the original paint. It had been given new paint, but the decision was made to give the car to Wilkinson and Sharp Restorations and have the newer paint carefully removed and assess the condition of the original surface finishes. After removing the newer paint and cleaning up the old surfaces, areas were repainted to match the original areas.

The car's rarity and originality helped it achieve a class award at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2023