1914 Stutz Model 4E

Harry Clayton Stutz was one of the early American automobile industry's most skilled and colorful personalities who built his first horseless carriage, nicknamed 'Old Hickory,' in 1898 at age 22. He designed and built a single-cylinder engine in 1900 and later worked for various tire, auto parts, and carburetor companies before becoming chief engineer of the American Motor Car Company. The American Underslung models would gain fame during the pre-World War I era for their innovative 'underslung' chassis design. A year later, Harry Stutz joined the Marion Motor Car Company in Indianapolis, where he served as chief engineer and plant manager. Innovations he created during this time include the four-shoe-per-drum brakes and an innovative transaxle design. In 1908, the company was taken over by Willys, and Stutz left two years later.

In less than five weeks, Stutz built an automobile that was entered under the name of his Stutz Auto Parts Co. at the inaugural Indianapolis 500 race in 1911, where it placed 11th overall with an average speed of 62.375 mph, earning it the slogan 'the car that made good in a day.' It received only minimal mechanical adjustment during the race, with 13 pit stops, 11 of which were for tires. The car had been completed just days prior to the start of the race, and despite suffering from tire trouble throughout the race, its ability to finish, let alone place as well as it did, proved the engineering capabilities and the quality of Harry Stutz. In June 1911, Stutz and his friend, Henry F. Campbell, organized the Ideal Motor Car Company of Indianapolis with the purpose of building copies of the racecar with added lights and fenders. The name of the Indy 500 racecar was called the Bear Cat, and the production model name was the Stutz Bearcat.

Stutz improved its finishing position in the 1913 Indianapolis 500 to 3rd Place. The company's famous 'White Squadron' of racing cars roared from victory to victory in 1915, capturing wins at Elgin, Point Loma, and Sheepshead Bay while also finishing 3rd, 4th, and 7th at the 1915 Indianapolis 500.

The production Bearcat was a stripped-down, minimalistic, two-seat sports car, the period sales literature boasted 'designed to meet the requirements of the customer desiring a car built along the general lines of a racing car and with a slightly higher gear ratio than our regular torpedo roadster.' It could be specified with either four- or six-cylinder engines (the 60 horsepower six was added to the range in 1912), however, the definitive version was equipped with the 389 cubic-inch four-cylinder T-head unit produced by the Wisconsin Motor Manufacturing Company of Milwaukee. The 6.4-liter Wisconsin four engine had a twin-camshaft 'T-head' design with inlet valves on one side of the block and exhausts on the other. It would be used up to 1917, when Stutz began to manufacture its own power units. Priced at $2,000, the Bearcat was equipped with a tool kit, three-speed transaxle, Warner speedometer, and Bosch ignition, and available in four colors of Vermilion, Monitor Grey, Mercedes Red, or Yellow.

Cannon Ball Baker added to the laurels of the Bearcat and further reinforced its reputation for durability in 1915 when he drove a stock example on a record-breaking cross-country run. At the time, the roads from the Midwest to the West Coast were virtually nonexistent, but Baker was relentless, eventually shattering the existing record and making the crossing in eleven days, even-and-a-half hours. During the trip, the total damage to the Bearcat amounted to one broken shock absorber clip. This extraordinary feat, along with others, led to the nickname, 'The Sturdy Stutz.'

In 1912 Stutz won 25 out of 30 competitions entered, thanks to the Bearcat. The Stutz Bearcat quickly established a rivalry on the road and the track with the Mercer Raceabout. The Mercer was agile and lightweight, while the Stutz favored brute force and strength. Spectators knew the taunts of 'You gotta be nutz to drive a Stutz!' 'But it's worser to drive a Mercer!'

Most automakers of the Brass Era were regional, but Stutz wanted to move into every market that he could, including the West Coast of California. Walter Brown, a dealer based out of Santa Monica who established a Los Angeles-based team of Stutzes in September 1911, was the sales agent of Stutzes west of the Mississippi. The high-powered, fast Stutz automobiles proved popular with the affluent California region and its many privateers. The growing number of Stutz dealerships and the race-proven credentials helped propel sales to over 1,000 units by 1915.

The Wisconsin T-head engine was eventually replaced by a Stutz-built, sixteen-valve, four-cylinder unit derived from Stutz's racing experience. The 'White Squadron' racers used versions with four valves per cylinder which quickly proved the performance potential over a traditional two-valve motor. In road-going guise, the 360 cubic-inch T-head 16-valve 4-cylinder unit with dual ignition breathed through a single Stromberg carburetor and delivered 88 horsepower. It was backed by a three-speed manual transmission and used a leaf spring suspension in the front and rear, with braking handled by rear drums. The new engine was installed in a new and more advanced chassis that was heavier to cope with the power as well as to accommodate modern coachwork. It continued to use a 120-inch wheelbase size but had the center of gravity lowered by placing the tank down low in the rear, with a rear deck fitted to hold a pair of raked spare tires in racing fashion.

The Bearcat remained a fixture of the range until the end of the 1924 season when the installation of Frederick E Moskovics as company president marked a change of emphasis to the luxury end of the market.

Without question, the Bearcat represented the ultimate in American sporting cars of the time and the man who built them proved that he was both equally brilliant at engineering and salesmanship.

1914 Stutz

The four-cylinder Stutz automobiles were known as the Series 4E, and those equipped with six-cylinder power were called the 6E. The Series 4E rested on a 120-inch wheelbase platform, while the Series 6E used a 130-inch wheelbase. The four-cylinder roadster was priced at $2,000, and the six-cylinder version was $250 higher. The five-passenger tourer Series 4E listed for $2,150 while the six-passenger Tourer SEries 6E listed for $2,400. The four-cylinder Bearcat sold for $2,000.

Stutz produced 649 vehicles in 1914, slightly less than the 759 units built the previous year.

by Dan Vaughan

Bearcat Roadster
Chassis number: 2250
Engine number: AI-779

This 1914 Stutz Bearcat with chassis number 2250 is powered by a 390 cubic-inch T-head four-cylinder engine that produces about 60 horsepower. It has a three-speed manual gearbox and two-wheel mechanical brakes. It has been awarded a National First Place award from the Antique Automobile Club of America and has been featured in Automobile Quarterly magazine.

This Bearcat does justice to the legacy of the Stutz Bearcat as being powerful, and a true performance machine. The low-slung chassis makes it suitable for many types of track conditions including high-speed cornering. The fuel tank is mounted directly behind the driver, along with a trunk and dual rear-mount spare tires.

Harry Stutz entered the automotive industry in 1903. Within a short period of time, he was appointed chief engineer for the American Motor Car Company. In 1906 he was employed by the Marion Company and stayed with them until 1910, when he left to form the Stutz Auto Parts Company. He was joined by a colleague from Marion. The Stutz Auto Parts Company ran a successful business selling gearboxes and axles, among other parts. Within a year, Stutz had created his first automobile to bear his name. Boldly, he entered the prototype car in the inaugural Indianapolis 500. The car endured a great deal of tire trouble and finished the race in an impressive 11th place. The car had averaged 68 mph during the race and had held off many factory teams driven by professional drivers. The slogan was born, 'The Car That Made Good in a Day.'

This impressive feat but an unknown automobile producer skyrocketed the Companies fame. The Bearcat made its debut a year later and many were entered in racing competition. In 1913 at the Indy 500, a Bearcat emerged in 3rd place. At the 1915 Indianapolis 500, the Bearcat and their 'White Squadron' of racers managed a third, fourth and seventh-place finish.

The pre-1915 Stutz Bearcat is a rare sight to behold. This example was offered for sale at the 2006 Gooding & Company Auction held in Pebble Beach, where it was estimated to sell between $400,000-$500,000. It was offered without reserve. In recent times, a number of Bearcats have crossed the auction-block stage and often have resulted in a bidding war that escalates the price well beyond the estimated value. These are very rare cars with a proven racing pedigree. Their history is impressive and entertaining and they are a popular feature at many concours's and sporting events. This Bearcat did find a new owner who was willing to spend well above the estimated value. The car was sold for $715,000.

by Dan Vaughan

Bearcat Roadster
Chassis number: 2177
Engine number: AI-609

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 Dan Vaughan

Touring
Chassis number: 4E2018
Engine number: A1526

The current owner of this Stutz Model 4E purchased it from the legendary A.K. Miller Collection auction in 1996. At the time, the car was completely unrestored and a highly original example, even having its original custom seat covers which helped preserve the upholstery in remarkable condition. A complete professional cosmetic and mechanical restoration was undertaken, bringing it back to its original condition.

The 16-valve, four-cylinder engine offers 60 horsepower which is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual gearbox. There are two-wheel mechanical drum brakes and live-axle suspension with semi-elliptic leaf springs.

In 2009, this Touring Car was offered for sale at Gooding & Company's Auction in Pebble Beach. The lot was estimated to sell for $175,000 - $225,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for the sum of $220,000, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Bearcat Roadster

The Stutz Bearcat began production in 1912 and was introduced in an advertisement in the 1912 program for the Indy 500-mile race. A Stutz racer finished 11th in the 1911 Indy 500 race. In 1912, Stutz Bearcats won 25 of 30 auto races in which they entered.

This Stutz is powered by a 360 cubic-inch 4-cylinder 'L' head engine developed by Wisconsin Motor Company and producing 60 horsepower. Owning a Stutz became a status symbol for the wealthy of the era. In 1914, it was priced at $2000, which is equivalent to $47,320 in current dollars and almost four times the price of the basic American Model 'T' Ford.

The previous owner worked on the car for 18 years before trading it to the current owner for another Stutz. The current owner completed restoring it in 2016.

The current owner developed a love for Stutz automobiles at the early age of eight years old.

The Stutz Bearcat was produced from 1914 through 1924. The first version was produced from 1914 to 1917 and was powered by a 6388 cc four-cylinder engine. The Bearcat was a creation inspired by an Indy sports car racer built by the Stutz Motor Company in 1911. It was powered by a 361 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine that produced 50 horsepower. The Bearcat continued the tradition of lightweight construction, a potent engine, and superior performance. The vehicle utilized an 'underslung' design which allowed the vehicle to be constructed lower than most vehicles, sitting closer to the ground. They were void of unnecessary amenities, had no doors, and only a small 'monocle' windscreen to protect the driver. It weighed just 4500 pounds and rested on a 120-inch wheelbase. There was usually seating for two and no top to protect the driver or passenger from the elements.

In 1912 the Stutz Bearcats proved their potential by winning 25 out of the 30 races in which they were entered. Their slogan was 'The car that made good in one day'. This was a popular slogan and is still remembered by many even to this day. The title was adorned on Harry C Stutz in 1911 when his driver, Gil Anderson, placed 11th at the Indianapolis 500, an amazing accomplishment and one that immediately inspired sales. The car had been built in just five weeks and was the first automobile to bear the name 'Stutz'. At Indianapolis, it had averaged 110 km/h (about 68 mph) and was only beaten by vehicles with engines much larger than its own.

A disgruntled buyer of a Stutz complained to the Stutz Company that Mercers were beating his car. In response, the Stutz Company set out to be the coast-to-coast record. In 1915, Erwin George 'Cannonball' Baker drove a Bearcat from San Diego to New York in 11 days, 7 hours, and 15 minutes. This broke the previous record. Baker went on to set 143 distance records. Sales continued to climb. A Wall Street investor spear-headed by Allan A. Ryan bought a controlling interest in Stutz. This allowed more capital and allowed Stutz to expand its manufacturing facilities. Harry Clayton Stutz sold his interest in the company in 1919. He turned his attention to two new endeavors, the Stutz Fire Engine Company and the H.C.S. Motor Car Company.

The production of the Stutz Bearcat continued until 1924. The car continued its tradition of being a sports car. It was fast and had excellent performance for the era. The clutch was said to be so stiff that it prevented women from driving the vehicle - many said this was a 'man's car.' The two-wheel mechanical brakes also required much force to operate.

The Stutz Company stayed in business until 1935, when it was forced out of business due to the Great Depression. In 1923, Frederick Ewan Moskowics became the president of the Stutz Motor Car Company. Under his direction, the company was repositioned as a company that produced elegant sedans renowned for safety. Essentially, he turned the he-man cars into luxury beauties. In 1929 Moskowics resigned and was succeeded by Edgar S. Gorrell.

by Dan Vaughan