1931 Stutz Model DV-32 Convertible Sedan

For 1931, Stutz produced just 384 examples of their top-of-the-line model, the DV-32.

This example, car number DV-42-1383, is an early-production DV-32 that rides on an extended 145-inch wheelbase and is styled with convertible sedan coachwork. Although designed and built by LeBaron in Detroit, this body style was offered through the standard catalogue and would have been delivered to Stutz 'in the white' - without paint and upholstery.

The car spent its early years in California, where it was purportedly used in the production of Hollywood films. In 1950, the Pettit family purchased the Stutz from its second owner. It served as Mr. Pettit's primary transportation throughout college, and later, it was a fixture at the Museum of Motoring Memories in Natural Bridge, Virginia. It has been apart of the Pettit Collection for more than 60 years.

The coachwork was repainted many years ago, most likely before World War II. It remains remarkably untouched in all other areas and displays the consistent patina expected of an unrestored pre-war automobile.

The car is finished in two contrasting shades of blue and is outfitted with a tan top, leather-covered trunk, painted wire wheels, and correct factory-delivered accessories. The interior is original fabric upholstery. It has its 1958 Virginia Department of State registration sticker affixed to the windscreen, and the odometer shows just over 66,000 miles. It is currently not in running order.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, California. It was estimated to sell for $225,000 - $300,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $154,000, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2012