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The inaugural Indianapolis 500 race was held in 1911 and was called the international Sweepstakes race. In modern times, the 500-mile race takes around three hours; back in 1911, traveling 500 miles took much longer to complete the 200 laps of the 2.5-mile oval. It required nearly a full day of racing to get to the checkered flag. The car designed and constructed by Harry C. Stutz crossed the finish line in a very impressive 11th place. The car had no formal testing, and the pit stops it made throughout the race were for only tires and fuel.
The Stutz had been entered in the race as a promotional tool and to prove the durability and capability of the vehicle. After it managed to finish the race, and in fine form, the famous slogan 'The Car That Made Good in a Day' was born.
Within a few years and with a little refinement, the Stutz Bearcats were a dominant force in many racing scenes. The factory-backed racing team called the White Squadron accumulated numerous victories in 1915, including the grueling Elgin race, Minneapolis, Point Loma, and Sheepshead Bay. At the Indianapolis 500 in 1915, Bearcats finished in third, fourth, and seventh place.
The Bearcats were minimalist vehicles with two seats, no protection from the elements, spare tires, and a large gas tank. They were lightweight and powerful and highly sought after by racing enthusiasts of its era.
This 1917 Stutz Bearcat was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Meadow Brook. It was estimated to sell between $250,000 - $350,000. It is powered by a 390 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine capable of producing 60 horsepower. It has two-wheel mechanical rear brakes and a selective sliding transaxle. It sits atop a wheelbase that measures 111 inches, which is far shorter than the original size. This car was modified throughout the years and is considered a racing 'Special.' Its original wheelbase measured 120 inches but was shortened to reduce weight and increase its handling characteristics. The engine was moved back into the chassis to improve weight distribution.
This car has been treated to a comprehensive restoration to the highest standards. It was given a new body in the style of the original Bearcats. At the auction, the vehicle failed to stir the necessary interest in the vehicle, and bidding reached only $185,000, which was not enough to satisfy the reserve. The vehicle was left unsold.By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2007
The Stutz had been entered in the race as a promotional tool and to prove the durability and capability of the vehicle. After it managed to finish the race, and in fine form, the famous slogan 'The Car That Made Good in a Day' was born.
Within a few years and with a little refinement, the Stutz Bearcats were a dominant force in many racing scenes. The factory-backed racing team called the White Squadron accumulated numerous victories in 1915, including the grueling Elgin race, Minneapolis, Point Loma, and Sheepshead Bay. At the Indianapolis 500 in 1915, Bearcats finished in third, fourth, and seventh place.
The Bearcats were minimalist vehicles with two seats, no protection from the elements, spare tires, and a large gas tank. They were lightweight and powerful and highly sought after by racing enthusiasts of its era.
This 1917 Stutz Bearcat was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Meadow Brook. It was estimated to sell between $250,000 - $350,000. It is powered by a 390 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine capable of producing 60 horsepower. It has two-wheel mechanical rear brakes and a selective sliding transaxle. It sits atop a wheelbase that measures 111 inches, which is far shorter than the original size. This car was modified throughout the years and is considered a racing 'Special.' Its original wheelbase measured 120 inches but was shortened to reduce weight and increase its handling characteristics. The engine was moved back into the chassis to improve weight distribution.
This car has been treated to a comprehensive restoration to the highest standards. It was given a new body in the style of the original Bearcats. At the auction, the vehicle failed to stir the necessary interest in the vehicle, and bidding reached only $185,000, which was not enough to satisfy the reserve. The vehicle was left unsold.By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2007
2007 Vintage Motor Car Auction at Meadow Brook Hall
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $250,000-USD $350,000
High Bid (Lot was not sold)
USD $185,000
Recent Sales of the Stutz Bearcat
(Data based on Model Year 1917 sales)
Stutz Bearcats That Failed To Sell At Auction
1917 Stutz Bearcat's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
| Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1917 Stutz Bearcat | 2217 S | 2017 Bonhams : The Amelia Island Auction | $185,000 | $250,000 | |
| 1917 Stutz Bearcat | 2007 Vintage Motor Car Auction at Meadow Brook Hall | $185,000 | $250,000 | $350,000 |
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1917 Stutz Bearcat
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