Lot details
Registration No: SV 7838
Chassis No: BBBB64S
Mot Expiry: April 2007

A veteran of Daimler, Marmon and Franklin, Hungarian-born Frederick Moskovics became president of the Stutz Motor Car Co on February 17th 1925. Determined that the Indianapolis-based firm should be remembered for more than just its fearsome Bearcat Roadster, he called upon the engineering talents of Paul Bastien and Charles Greuter to help create a world beater (though, a $1,000,000 investment from Stutz majority shareholder and steel magnate Charles Schwab helped proceedings). Debuting at the January 1926 New York Motor Show, the resultant 'Vertical Eight' or 'AA' Stutz was unashamedly Eurocentric. Based around a 'double-dropped' ladder-frame chassis equipped with all-round leaf-sprung suspension, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes and a Timken worm-drive back axle, the newcomer sat some five to eight inches lower than most rivals. Notably advanced, its straight-eight 4.7litre engine boasted a nine-bearing crankshaft, single chain-driven overhead-camshaft and dual-ignition (sixteen sparkplugs). Reputed to develop 92hp @ 3,200rpm, it was allied to three-speed manual transmission and endowed the Stutz with class-leading performance. Metamorphosing into the 'BB' for 1928, the Splendid Stutz retained its innovative, wire-reinforced safety glass but gained an extra 200cc and approximately 20hp. Blessed with an enviably low centre of gravity, Vertical Eight Stutzs twice won the AAA Stock Car Championship (1927, 1928), set a new American Production Car Speed Record (106.53mph, Daytona 1928) and finished second to Bentley at the 1928 Le Mans 24-hours.
Finished in cream over brown with medium-brown cloth upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example is variously described by the vendor as being in "rewired" (electrical equipment), "good" (gearbox, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork, wheels / tyres) or "excellent" (engine) condition. Reputedly restored prior to journeying across the Atlantic in 1989, 'SV 7838' entered the current ownership during November 2002. Mechanically improved over the last few years, the Philips-bodied Sedan has received attention to its engine (new main / big-end bearings, water inlet manifold, internal oil pipes), radiator (fresh core), oil pump (50% greater capacity), distributor (new housing) and brake system (new wheel cylinders, pipes, hoses). Further benefiting from an external oil filter, 12volt conversion (including coils) and new exhaust system, it sports an engraved instrument binnacle, Stutz Ra mascot, luggage trunk and twin side-mounted spare wheels. Faulty gauges (temperature, fuel, odometer), minor leaks (water pump, petrol tank, back manifold) and slightly loose steering notwithstanding, 'SV 7838' has covered some 2,000-2,500 miles since engine work was completed. A very rare Vintage sedan from one of America's most revered manufacturers, this Splendid Stutz is offered for sale with current MOT certificate valid until April 2nd 2007.