Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Stutz

The Stutz Motor Company was a prestigious American car manufacturer known for building fast, luxurious, and stylish vehicles in the early 20th century. Founded in Indianapolis, Indiana, Stutz made its mark in motorsport and high-end car design. Although the brand faded by the mid-20th century, it enjoyed a brief revival later, and its name still resonates with collectors and automotive historians.

Founding and Early Success (1911–1915)

The Stutz Motor Car Company of America was founded in 1911 by Harry C. Stutz. That same year, Stutz entered a prototype vehicle in the first running of the Indianapolis 500 and finished in 11th place — a remarkable feat for a new company.

“The Car That Made Good in a Day”

Stutz capitalized on its early racing success with the marketing slogan, “The Car That Made Good in a Day.” This reputation for performance helped drive early sales and brand recognition.

Stutz Bearcat and Racing Pedigree

Stutz’s most famous model, the Bearcat, was introduced in 1912. It was a stripped-down, powerful sports roadster designed for performance enthusiasts.

Stutz Bearcat

• One of the first American sports cars.
• Minimal bodywork, open cockpit, and a muscular 4-cylinder engine.
• Popular among racers and wealthy thrill-seekers.

The Bearcat became a symbol of early American automotive excitement, often associated with the Roaring Twenties, flappers, and the fast-living elite.

Racing Heritage

Stutz competed in road and endurance races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Vanderbilt Cup. In 1915, a Stutz set a 24-hour world speed record, covering 1,561 miles — cementing its status as a performance brand.

Engineering Innovation

Stutz cars were more than just fast — they featured advanced engineering for their time. The company embraced:

• Electric starters and lighting early on
• Powerful straight-8 engines
• Hydraulic brakes (among the first in the U.S.)
• Balloon tires for improved ride comfort

Luxury and Performance

By the 1920s, Stutz was blending speed with opulence. It competed with Packard, Cadillac, and Duesenberg in the high-end luxury car market. The brand’s slogan evolved to emphasize its dual appeal: “Safety, Strength, and Speed.”

The Vertical Eight Era (1926–1935)

In 1926, Stutz introduced a new model line featuring a “Vertical Eight” engine — a smooth inline-eight with overhead camshaft design. It was housed in a range of beautifully styled cars with coachbuilt bodies.

Stutz Black Hawk and Super Bearcat

These were premium performance models offering speeds up to 100 mph — rare in the 1920s. The Super Bearcat was compact, powerful, and extremely expensive, designed for elite customers.

Safety Stutz

Stutz also introduced the “Safety Stutz” in 1926, featuring improved brakes and safety glass. It marketed its cars as the safest high-speed vehicles on the road — decades before “safety” became an industry buzzword.

Decline During the Great Depression

Like many luxury automakers, Stutz was severely impacted by the Great Depression. Demand for high-end cars dried up, and the company’s sales plummeted.

Final Years of Original Production

Stutz ceased car production in 1934 and went into receivership in 1935. It had built a legacy of innovation, prestige, and performance — but couldn’t survive the harsh economic climate of the 1930s.

The Revival: Stutz Motor Car of America (1968–1995)

In 1968, New York banker James O’Donnell revived the Stutz nameplate with the help of famed Italian designer Virgil Exner. The new company, Stutz Motor Car of America, produced retro-styled luxury cars based on GM platforms.

Stutz Blackhawk (Modern Era)

Launched in 1970, the new Blackhawk featured:

• A flamboyant, neo-classic body hand-built in Italy
• Cadillac V8 engine and chassis
• Lavish interiors with gold-plated trim and Connolly leather

Celebrity Owners

The modern Stutz cars were ultra-exclusive and attracted celebrity buyers including:

• Elvis Presley (famously owned multiple Stutz Blackhawks)
• Frank Sinatra
• Sammy Davis Jr.
• Lucille Ball

Final Years

Production remained extremely limited throughout the 1970s and ’80s, with most models being bespoke. By the mid-1990s, production quietly ceased due to declining demand and rising costs.

Legacy of Stutz

Stutz left a dual legacy — first as a pioneering performance and luxury brand during America’s golden automotive age, and later as a niche icon of retro luxury.

Collector Favorites

• 1912–1916 Stutz Bearcats
• 1928 Black Hawk Speedster
• 1932–1934 Super Bearcat and DV-32
• 1970s Blackhawk revival models

Survivors and Museums

Many early Stutz cars survive in museums and private collections. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and other classic car institutions often showcase Stutz vehicles.

Conclusion

The Stutz name symbolizes speed, luxury, and American ingenuity. From early racing triumphs to ultra-exclusive celebrity cruisers, Stutz cars represented bold design and elite status. Though no longer in production, the brand’s aura endures — a reminder of both the Jazz Age and the era of extravagant personal expression on four wheels.