1914 Stutz Model 4E Bearcat Roadster

The Stutz Series E Bearcat is a minimalistic vehicle with a racing chassis, two seats, a fuel tank, and fenders, with a small trunk and a petite monocle windshield. The T-Head Wisconsin motor is rated at 36.1 horsepower, but it is more in the range of 60 horsepower. The top speed is nearly 80 mph, with zero-to-fifty miles per hour achieved in under 18 seconds.

A.J. Tony Kovaleski served on the boards of the AACA, CCCA, and SCCA. In 1948, he acquired this car from the Manville Estate of Nyack, New York. It was pulled from a barn where it had sat idle for many years with its original gray paintwork still in place. It was in its original condition having only 13,025 miles on the odometer.

The car was treated to a restoration over the next few years and given a bright yellow coat of paint. In 1949, it was shown at the Lars-Anderson Museum in Massachusetts, where it won first prize (Best of Show Restoration). Also in 1949, it went on the Antique Auto Glidden Tour where it won First in Class, followed by a Junior in Class win at Devon and won the Senior Class at Hershey Antique Auto Club events.

This car has been driven in Pennsylvania's Giant's Despair Hillclimb, Bridgehampton, Glidden Tours, and Watkins Glen. It was selected, along with ten other cars, to compete in the 1954 Anglo-America Rally. After the 850-mile course, which ran from Edinburgh to Chichester, Koveleski, the Stutz won the coveted first prize for a time trial at Goodwood ahead of 19 other entrants.

There are less than six original Bearcats known to exist in modern times. In 2008, this Series E Bearcat was brought to the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, CA. It was estimated to sell for $1,000,000 - $1,400,000. The lot was sold for $1,375,000, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2009