1930 Stutz Model M Speedster

This Stutz was ordered off the stand at the London Motor Show in 1929 and delivered to His Highness Maharaol Sir Ranjitsinhji of Baria in 1930. He was very fond of fast cars and had many different marques and models in his vast garage. This Stutz LeBaron Speedster was used on special state occasions and also, occasionally, for long-distance travel. It is one of the few examples of the marque built from new with a right-hand drive. It is also the only Stutz known in India. It has the superb straight-8 engine derived from Stutz's racing exploits. After very little use, the Maharaja sold his Stutz in 1952 for 5,000 Rupees. The next owner enjoyed the car for several years until the brakes started fading and the tires became unusable. Since spare parts were difficult to find, the car was laid up in his garage in Godhra, a small town in Gujarat Province. After a long search, its current owner found it, rescued it from its near derelict condition, and restored it.