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 Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2025