1971 Stutz Blackhawk

The Stutz marque of Indianapolis, Indiana, began automobile production in 1911 and quickly established a reputation for speed and performance. Their accomplishments at the inaugural Indianapolis 500 race earned the motto 'The Car That Made Good in a Day.' During its existence, it remained a small, low-production company with its memorable models being the 'Bearcat' and 'Blackhawk.' The company's demise was a result of the Great Depression, disappearing from the American automotive landscape in 1937.

After laying dormant for three decades, the company name was revived by an ambitious banker, James O'Donnell, and Virgil Exner, a former Chrysler design chief. Exner penned several modern interpretations of orphaned brands, including Duesenberg, Pierce-Arrow, Packard, Stutz, and Mercer. Esquire magazine published an article in December of 1963 with renderings by Exner of these four 'Revival' marques. With financial support from O'Donnell, one of his concepts entered production, birthing the Stutz Blackhawk Coupe.

Before production commenced, Carrozzeria Ghia of Italy was commissioned to build the prototype at a cost that exceeded $300,000 (USD). The Blackhawk made its debut in January 1970 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. The prototype was kept by Mr. O'Donnell.

For easy servicing in the United States, along with proven performance and durability, a General Motors platform and engine were acquired - more specifically - a complete Pontiac Grand Prix was bought at retail. It was shipped to Carrozzeria Pardane in Modena, Italy, where the entire body, interior, and instrumentation were discarded, and new coachwork and interior were hand-fabricated, sharing nothing in common with the donor vehicle. The bodies were a complete, seamless form, devoid of panel gaps, with only the necessary cutouts for the hood, trunk, and door. High-end components were sourced from various manufacturers with the rear glass from a Ferrari and the seats, gauges, and door handles from a Maserati Indy.

Initially priced at $25,000, this figure rose to $35,000 in 1974, $41,500 in 1975, and $47,500 in 1976. The cost of the Blackhawk nearly doubled in 1981, selling at $84,500.

Production of the Stutz Bearcat began in 1971 and continued through 1987, with approximately 500 to 600 examples being created.

The hand-built Stutz Bearcat was unique, exclusive, and expensive. Frank Sinatra was offered the first pre-production prototype with the stipulation that he assist in promoting the brand at the L.A. Auto Show. When Mr. Sinatra declined the offer, Elvis Presley was offered the car with similar obligations to promote the vehicle. He accepted and received the Stutz Blackhawk; he would later own three examples. A number of celebrities would follow in his wake, including Rat Pack members Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, as well as Lucille Ball and Liberace. Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin both owned three examples. Other prominent owners included Johnny Cash, Muhammed Ali, Evel Knievel, Jerry Lewis, Elton John, Tom Jones, Paul McCartney, Al Pacino, and many others.

For those seeking even more rarity, Exner created the Duplex sedan, increasing the footprint of the original Blackhawk design and fitting it on a Cadillac chassis. This design had four doors and additional interior room. It is believed that only two of these were constructed and only one by Padane. Additionally, a convertible version of the Bearcat was built called the D'Italia.

The design and mechanical specification of the Stutz Bearcat changed over time, through seven generations, using various engines and even switching coachbuilders in 1972. Carrozzeria Padane handled the early production, with those duties entrusted to Carrozzeria Saturn in Cavallermaggiore, near Torino, Italy, in 1972. The switching of coachbuilders was due to Padane busy schedule of building bodies for several Italian carmakers along with coach buses.

Mechanical Specification
Beginning with a Pontiac Grand Prix platform, it had a 118-inch wheelbase, a 75.7-inch width, and stretched over 210 inches in length. The bodies were created from extra heavy gauge steel, and the total production time for each vehicle took in excess of 1,500 man-hours. The bodies received 18 to 22 hand-rubbed lacquer paint coats that took six weeks to apply.

Initially, a 455 cubic-inch (7.5 liter) Pontiac V8 was installed in the engine bay and paired with a GM TH400 three-speed automatic transmission. Developing approximately 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, zero-to-sixty mph was accomplished in 8.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. During its production lifespan, the Blackhawk would receive Pontiac's 403 and 350 engines, along with powerplants from Ford, Cadillac, and Chevrolet.

Among the mechanical features were automatic headlamps controls with twilight sensor, cornering lamps, Safe-T-Track limited-slip differential, non-functional exhaust side pipes, 17-inch Firestone LXX run-flat tires and rims, and Superlift air adjustable shock absorbers.

The donor vehicle for the Blackhawk switched in 1980 to the Pontiac Bonneville, which required a redesign. Vehicles during this period were known as the 'Sixth Generation,' with production continuing through 1984. In 1985, the donor chassis became the Oldsmobile Delta 88/Buick LeSabre platform - the 'Seventh Generation,' which lasted through the end of production in 1987. The Sixth Generation cars could be equipped with a 302 CID Windsor, 350 CID V8, or 351 CID Windsor. The Seventh Generation cars received power from a 307 cubic-inch (5.0 liter) Oldsmobile V8.

The First through Fourth Generation of the Blackhawk - from 1971 to 1976 - could be supplied with a 429 Cobra Jet, a 454 Super Sport, 455 Rocket, 460 V8, 472 V8, or 500 V8. The Fifth Generation of the Blackhawk, produced from 1977 to 1979, could be powered by a 302 Windsor, 350 V8, 351 Windsor, T/A 6.6, 425 V8, or 460 V8.

A total of 25 Series I Stutz were built before the classic proportions and delicate details were reworked to reduce costs and increase production. It is believed that 14 of the Series I cars remain in existence.

Design
The production Blackhawk remained true to Exner's original concept, incorporating dramatically overhanging fender tips, a dual-pane windscreen, freestanding headlamps, a spare tire that protruded through the trunklid, and the fuel filler cap positioned within the spare tire. While the exterior was bold and dramatic, the interior was opulent, luxurious, and well-appointed. The trim was 24-carat gold plated and the wood used was burled walnut, redwood, or bird's eye maple. The seats were wrapped in Connolly leather, and the carpeting and headlining were wool or mink. The instrumentation had markings in both Italian and English. There was a clock in the steering wheel hub and a liquor cabinet in the back. Amenities included bilevel automatic air-conditioning, a burglar alarm, a Lear Jet AM/FM eight-track quadraphonic sound system, cruise control, central locking, and an electric sunroof.

by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2023