1925 Stutz Model 693

Stutz offered two six-cylinder models in 1925 - the Model 693 and the Model 695, with the former residing on a 120-inch wheelbase and the latter on a longer 130-inch platform. Prices ranged from $2,880 to $3,580 for the Model 693, and from $3,535 to $4,800 for the Model 695. The Model 695 was referred to as the 695H Speedway Six series, referencing the company's first use of hydraulic brakes - hence, the 'H' in the model designation. The unusual four-wheel brake system was supplied by Lockheed, which used external contracting bands to slow and stop the vehicle. The 289 cubic-inch six-cylinder overhead valve engine residing in the bay of the Series 695 provided 80 horsepower.

The engine of the Series 693 also displaced 289 cubic inches, had overhead valves with roller tappets, 4.45:1 compression, and a 3.5-inch bore and a 5-inch stroke.

Early Stutz vehicles were powered by proprietary Wisconsin engines paired with Stutz's own rear three-speed transaxle. The engine was eventually replaced by a Stutz-built, sixteen-valve, four-cylinder unit. The famous Stutz 'White Squadron' racers were powered by engines featuring four valves per cylinder, and the performance benefits of this design over a traditional two-valve motor were demonstrated on numerous occasions.

The Weidely Motors Company of Indianapolis supplied Stutz with a 269 cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine that featured pushrod-operated overhead valves and a Stromberg carburetor. When Weidely Motors went out of business in 1924, Stutz tasked its chief engineer, Charles Crawford, to build an 'in-house' replacement. What he created was essentially a larger and more refined version of the Weidely 'Forty Point Bulldog.' This six-cylinder engine powered the Model 693 and 695 of 1925.

The Stutz Model 693 had rear mechanical brakes, a three-speed manual transmission, and 24-inch Buffalo wire wheels. Body styles included a five-passenger Phaeton and a two-passenger Roadster (both priced at $2,880), a 5-passenger tourabout ($3,000), and a five-passenger sedan ($3,580). A four-passenger coupe was also listed in the company's catalog.

The larger 130-inch wheelbase of the Model 695 accommodated larger coachwork, which included a seven-passenger Berline, Suburban and Tourster, and a Sportster.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: 6-2631
Engine number: 14489

Stutz advertised itself as the 'Car That Made Good in a Day,' referring to the company's first automobile, which entered the 1911 Indianapolis Motor Speedway race five weeks after the car was built and managed to finish 11th (out of 33).

Harry C. Stutz left the company in 1919 after disagreements with the company's stockholders. He formed his own company, the H.C.S. The Stutz Company was taken over by the Bethlehem Steel Magnate Charles M. Schwab, and Frederick Moscovics was hired to transform the Stutz sports car into a proper luxury car.

This 1925 Stutz left the factory with the rare Stutz-built Type 691 overhead-valve engine, which has never been rebuilt. Displacement is 289 cubic inches; horsepower rated at 80. The Model 693 was built on a 120-inch wheelbase chassis.

Despite building coupes and sedans, as well, the Stutz company was best known for its sporty, fast cars such as this roadster.

The car was sold new by Pietro DiNova & Sons of Steubenville, Ohio, to Sam Rossi of Piney Fork, Ohio. The car remained in his family until 1950, when it was purchased by the DiNovas. In 2008, they sold the car to the current owners.

The 'In House' Stutz Six Model 691 Engine

The Weidely Motor Company's demise in 1924 left a void in Stutz's arsenal; they were Stutz's sole provider of six-cylinders, so Charles Crawford (chief engineer at Stutz) began work on an 'in house' Stutz Six (Model 691). This engine was essentially a larger and more refined version of the Weidely 'Forty Point Bulldog.'

Serial No: 6-2631

Engine No: 14489 Stutz Model 691

Body No: 76463 Body by Racine

Six-cylinder engine (3.5 x 5 bore/stroke); 289 cubic inches; 12 valves; overhead valve layout with roller tappets. 4.45:1 compression. Stromberg O-3 (1.5 inch) carburetor; vacuum fuel feed; 4.90:1 final gear ratio; Remy single point ignition; rear mechanical brakes; 33-4.5 tires; 24-inch Buffalo wire wheels; wheelbase: 120-inch; weight: 3583 pounds; top speed 70 MPH; 1925 price: $2,885.