1921 Stutz Series K Touring

The Stutz Bearcat was introduced in 1915 and offered Bearcat performance with a practical body. It was a close-couple touring car for up to four passengers. It was lightweight and weighed just a few hundred pounds more than the Bearcat. Built on a 10-inch longer wheelbase, the Bulldog featured all the mechanical components of the Bearcat. The Model K variants offered continued improvement of the four-cylinder, dual-valve T-head engine. The Bulldog was given a modern appearance with its wire wheels, deep fenders, and low bodyline. The Bearcat models were ideal for touring, though many Bulldogs have been cut-down and modified to be replica Bearcats.

This Bulldog is a correct and original car. The early history is unknown. It was acquired by the Northwest collector Don Short sometime in the 1940s. This was his first of many Stutz along with other Brass and Nickel Era cars. Along with being his first Stutz, it was also the one he kept the longest. The car was well-used over his roughly 60-year ownership, including numerous tours. When the time the car was sold from his estate, it was noted to be a nicely preserved example with some original interior.

Ownership later passed to another Northwest collector. Over the next two years, the Stutz underwent a thorough cosmetic restoration. It was painted in black and ochre. The interior has been re-trimmed, with several of the original panels being re-used. The car was finished with the correct type rear trunk mounted just between the body and dual rear spares.

Power is from a 361 cubic-inch T-head 4-cylinder engine fitted with a single Stromberg carburetor. There is a three-speed manual gearbox and two-wheel mechanical drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2013