1929 Stutz Model M Four-Passenger Speedster

The company that bore Harry C. Stutz's surname was a low-production, quality company that had a reputation for its performance and speed. They were victorious in the American racing scene and were a dominant force with the 'White Squadron' racing team. Their Bearcat models have become immortalized and will always be considered one of the great icons of motoring.

Throughout the lifespan of the company, it experienced its share of 'ups and downs.' Harry C. Stutz eventually lost control of his company and was replaced by Fred Moskovics, who was an equally brilliant man and a visionary. Moskovics resume included work at Marmon, and he was inspired by many great European marques such as Alfa Romeo, Daimler, Mercedes, and Bentley.

Part of the formula for the Stutz car's performance success was its low chassis and powerful Eight cylinder motor. By using a Timken worm drive rear axle the entire chassis could be lowered considerably. This setup was also used to the same effect in the Double Six Daimler and the low chassis Invictas.

Timken hydrostatic brakes were initially used but later replaced with Lockheed hydraulics with oversized finned drums at all four corners. A Warner three-speed transmission was used, later replaced by a four-speed Detroit Gear unit. At the time, the four-speed gearbox was a novelty in the United States, and very few automakers used it. Eventually, Stutz went back to the three-speed Warner in 1931.

The new Eight-cylinder 'Safety Stutz' proved their potential on the racing circuit, for in 1928, their Stutz won every American Stock Car race entered and was declared World's Champion. Two custom Blackhawk Speedster bodies were penned by Le Baron to take full advantage of the performance. The four-passenger speedster body was designed and built so Stutz would have a car eligible for racing that required four seats.

The 24 Hours of LeMans was the most famous race requiring passenger cars with four seats and a top. At the time, this event was relatively unknown in America but was the highlight of the European racing calendar. A French Stutz agent entered the Stock Stutz Blackhawk Four-Passenger Speedster in the 1928 event. This was the only Stutz entered in the race, and it held the lead for much of the race, battling off an entire team of works Bentleys. Unfortunately, a loss of high gear late in the race forced the Stutz to finish second.

Chasis M843CY17A
This Four-Passenger Dual-Cowl Speedster Model M features the 'Challenger' engine, used at LeMans, with better head porting and improved performance and flexibility. There is a four-speed transmission that only 1929 and 1930 model Stutz were given. The brakes are the vacuum-boosted Lockheed units which proved to be far superior to the Timken design of earlier models.

The LeBaron Speedster bodywork is elegant and 'European,' with cut-down doors, dual cowl configuration, and a close coupled design.

This vehicle was once part of the Briggs Cunningham collection and featured in his book 'Connoisseur's Choice - Racing, Sports and Touring Cars.' After its time in the Cunningham collection, it went to the Stutz Club founding member William Ruger.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge auction presented by Bonhams. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $282,000, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2019