1912 Stutz Series A Bearcat

This 1912 Stutz Bearcat was reportedly built in the autumn of 1911 and is believed to be the earliest surviving example in existence. Addison Brown sold it in the 1940s to California-based Jack Wadsworth, and that is where Raymond L. Drake discovered the car in 1960 in original but incomplete condition. In 1961, the car was enlisted in the Antique Automobile Club of America's roster.

Addison Brown was said to have been the nephew of the first Los Angeles Stutz dealer and relayed to Mr. Wadsworth that he had owned and raced numerous Bearcast during the Teens and Twenties. This particular Bearcat had numerous mechanical differences from the 1913 Bearcats, leading to the conclusion that it may have been a prototype for the model. Further research revealed it to be (perhaps) an early 1912 Series A. Among the difference was a Wisconsin engine finished in black, with jugs of a slightly different design and an oil indicator on the left rear of the oil pan. It rode on Dorian 25-inch wheelbase, had a lighter and smaller transaxle, and a unique steering wheel.

In 2001, following two additional owners after Mr. Wadsworth, the car entered the care of Mr. Drake. In 2007, it was given an exhaust restoration with the work including the recreation of features such as the 5/8-in. rod running between the ends of the front frame irons, unique to early Stutzes, and a correct interior with button-tufted seats. The restoration was finished in 2008 and was acquired by Clem and Mary Lange in 2009. In 2009, it was shown at the Louisville Concours, followed by the Amelia Island Concours in 2012, where it received the Chubb Trophy for Most Historically Significant Stutz, and Keels & Wheels in 2013 where it achieved Best of Show. In 2011, it was chosen to appear at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's 100th-anniversary Celebration of Automobiles.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2021

Aesthetics never motivated Stutz. He was motivated by the desire to build winning race cars. He saw the incredible opportunity that racing offered in proving the capabilities of any new automobile. Harry started in the parts business. Soon, he was manufacturing axles for other car companies. However, in his mind, he was constantly designing a sturdy four-cylinder T-head car for the Indianapolis event. He designed a transaxle where the gearbox and differential were both located at the rear of his car. His first complete car was delivered to the speedway in May 1911. It performed flawlessly and finished 11th in the race, requiring no mechanical adjustments, just a significant number of replacement tires. This is the oldest Stutz Automobile in existence. It was built in September 1911 and was just the 63rd car assembled in the Stutz factory in Indianapolis. The restoration took two years, it was completed in 2008, and all the accessories are correct and original.