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 Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2012