1929 Stutz Model M Coupe

The Stutz Company was named after its founder, Harry Stutz, who had a strong engineering background, beginning with a spectacular initial success at Indianapolis in 1911. This victory earned the company a reputation as 'the car that made good in a day.' Along with Duesenberg, Stutz earnestly maintained a racing presence. The last Stutz was manufactured in 1934. Only 35,000 examples were produced during the company's 25-year history.

The Model M was introduced in 1929. It featured an auxiliary trunk, rumble seat, dual side-mount tires, and wire wheels. Power was from a 352 cubic-inch single overhead camshaft engine offering 185 horsepower.

This 1930 Stutz Model M Supercharged Coupe carries chassis number 31312, and is one of only two Supercharged Model M Examples ever constructed (some sources state this is the only supercharged coupe ever built and is the only surviving Lancefield Bodied Stutz out of five ever built.) . The coachwork is courtesy of Lancefield of England, thus the vehicle has very many 'European' characteristics. It was originally sold by Warwick Wright, Ltd of London, the main UK dealer.

The 325 cubic-inch single overhead camshaft engine produces 185 horsepower which is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox. Drum brakes provide the stopping power while a semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension in the front and rear provide a comfortable ride.

The car is exquisite, with side step plates, cycle fenders, and a sliding sunroof. The giant Zeiss headlamps provide ample light during night driving.

In 1996 it was sold at auction, where it netted $151,000 in un-restored form. A restoration soon was undertaken, and the finished product was covered in red and black paint. It was entered in the 1997 Peking to Paris Rally after it had just been restored. The car had endured no testing. Even still, the car performed exceptionally well. It was not until a failed electrical part forced the car to retire from the 45-day race.

The car was shown at the 50th anniversary of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it earned a Best in Class award and the Briggs Cunningham award for the most exciting car present. It was awarded Best of Show at the 2006 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance.

It went to auction in September of 2000, where the auction house, RM Auctions, sold the masterpiece for $348,000. The new owner, the legendary Skip Barber, had won the high bid. He commissioned work to be done on some of the mechanical components. The engine was sent to Holman Engineering in Springfield, Massachusetts, where it received a complete mechanical rebuild of various parts.

This elegant car has toured the international concours d'Eelegance circuit, where it has racked up impressive awards.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2015