1912 Stutz Series A

The company formed by Henry C. Stutz had a slogan that claimed, 'Made Good in A Day,' when the prototype completed the first Indianapolis 500, outpacing many more proven automobiles in the process. It averaged 62.375 mph for 500 miles with only minimal mechanical adjustment and 13 pit stops, with 11 of those for tires.

The company's rapid success and engineering prowess of the T-head four-cylinder engines soon made their automobiles popular with wealthy clients. Among the company's most endearing and sporting model was the Bear Cat, later known as the Bearcat, beginning in 1913. This minimalistic vehicle was essentially a race car for the road, with little more than a low-slung chassis, drivetrain, a pair of seats, a fuel tank, steering column, and fenders. They were popular with privateers who could 'race on Sunday and go to work on Monday.' In 1912, Stutz Bear Cat won 25 out of 30 competitions entered.

The 1912 factory catalog described the sporty Bear Cat as a carbon copy of their racing model. We are now building duplicates of this 'car that made good in a day' with absolutely the same material, workmanship, and design.' A rivalry between the New Jersey-based Mercer Company and their Raceabout was soon formed, with spectators chanting: 'You gotta be nutz to drive a Stutz!' 'But it's worser to drive a Mercer!'

For 1912, the Stutz Series A was available with either a four or six-cylinder engine. Two wheelbase sizes were also available, a 120-inch platform for the four-cylinder cars and 124 inches for the six-cylinder cars. A touring car was also available with a 130-inch frame.

The engine was a Wisconsin T-head unit with 8-valves and a single Updraft carburetor. A three-speed manual transmission fed the power to the rear wheels through a transaxle. Stopping power was provided by rear-wheel drum brakes, and the suspension was comprised of leaf springs.

by Dan Vaughan

Bearcat
Chassis number: A163
Engine number: A354

Aesthetics never motivated Stutz. He was motivated by the desire to build winning race cars. He saw the incredible opportunity that racing offered in proving the capabilities of any new automobile. Harry started in the parts business. Soon, he was manufacturing axles for other car companies. However, in his mind, he was constantly designing a sturdy four-cylinder T-head car for the Indianapolis event. He designed a transaxle where the gearbox and differential were both located at the rear of his car. His first complete car was delivered to the speedway in May 1911. It performed flawlessly and finished 11th in the race, requiring no mechanical adjustments, just a significant number of replacement tires. This is the oldest Stutz Automobile in existence. It was built in September 1911 and was just the 63rd car assembled in the Stutz factory in Indianapolis. The restoration took two years, it was completed in 2008, and all the accessories are correct and original.

Bearcat
Chassis number: A163
Engine number: A354

This 1912 Stutz Bearcat was reportedly built in the autumn of 1911 and is believed to be the earliest surviving example in existence. Addison Brown sold it in the 1940s to California-based Jack Wadsworth, and that is where Raymond L. Drake discovered the car in 1960 in original but incomplete condition. In 1961, the car was enlisted in the Antique Automobile Club of America's roster.

Addison Brown was said to have been the nephew of the first Los Angeles Stutz dealer and relayed to Mr. Wadsworth that he had owned and raced numerous Bearcast during the Teens and Twenties. This particular Bearcat had numerous mechanical differences from the 1913 Bearcats, leading to the conclusion that it may have been a prototype for the model. Further research revealed it to be (perhaps) an early 1912 Series A. Among the difference was a Wisconsin engine finished in black, with jugs of a slightly different design and an oil indicator on the left rear of the oil pan. It rode on Dorian 25-inch wheelbase, had a lighter and smaller transaxle, and a unique steering wheel.

In 2001, following two additional owners after Mr. Wadsworth, the car entered the care of Mr. Drake. In 2007, it was given an exhaust restoration with the work including the recreation of features such as the 5/8-in. rod running between the ends of the front frame irons, unique to early Stutzes, and a correct interior with button-tufted seats. The restoration was finished in 2008 and was acquired by Clem and Mary Lange in 2009. In 2009, it was shown at the Louisville Concours, followed by the Amelia Island Concours in 2012, where it received the Chubb Trophy for Most Historically Significant Stutz, and Keels & Wheels in 2013 where it achieved Best of Show. In 2011, it was chosen to appear at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's 100th-anniversary Celebration of Automobiles.

by Dan Vaughan

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