1920 Stutz Series H Bearcat
Current family ownership since 1991

Registration No: DS 8901
Chassis No: H6216
MOT: Exempt

• Among America's first sportscars with Indianapolis 500 pedigree
• 360ci (5.9 litre), 16-valve four-cylinder engine and three-speed manual transmission
• Part of a several hundred strong private collection since 1991

An American motoring pioneer, Harry Clayton Stutz built his first car – ‘Old Hickory’ – in 1898. Still only twenty-nine when he conceived the American Motor Car Co’s ‘Tourist’ model seven years later, the Ansonia, Ohio-born native served as Chief Engineer / Designer and Factory Manager to the Marion Motor Co from 1906-1910. Responsible for Marion’s participation in the Indiana Trophy, G&J 100-Mile, Wheeler / Schebler 300-mile and Brighton Beach, Brooklyn 24-hours, he founded the Stutz Auto Parts Co to sell his own transaxle units during 1910. Famously taken from drawing board to start line in just five weeks, the very first Stutz motorcar finished the inaugural Indianapolis 500, held during 1911, in eleventh place overall at an average speed of almost 62.5 mph. Ironically, it might have placed higher had its Stutz transaxle not been so demanding on tyres. Co-founding the Ideal Motor Car Co with Henry F. Campbell that same year, the fledgling manufacturer began by making ‘duplicates of The Car that Made Good in a Day with absolutely the same material, workmanship and design’. Thus, the first production Bear Cat (later Bearcat) differed little from the machine that distinguished itself at The Brickyard with a similarly lightweight, leaf-sprung chassis, proprietary Wisconsin 389ci (6.4 litre) four-cylinder engine, three-speed transaxle, exposed petrol tank, rear wheel brakes, twin bucket seats and precious little bodywork!

Winning no fewer than twenty-five of the thirty races they contested in 1912, Stutz’s Bearcat-comprising ‘White Squadron’ were also victorious in the 1913 and 1915 National Championships. Stutz officially withdrew from competition that same October but not before (a) Erwin ‘Cannon Ball’ Baker had driven a Bearcat from San Diego to New York in a mere eleven days, seven hours and fifteen feats (a remarkable feat which still inspires Cannonball Runners today) and (b) another pair had claimed the top two steps of the podium at the 350-mile Astor Cup with average speeds of 102.6mph and 102.2mph respectively. Progressively evolved through different series, the Bearcat gained an electric starter and lighting set in 1913 (Series E) and a more powerful 360ci (5.9 litre) engine of Stutz’s own design four years later (Series S). Introduced in mid-1919, the Series H sported the same right-hand drive layout and external gear / brake levers as its predecessors but was somewhat easier to access (thanks to ‘cut away’ cockpit sides). A new ‘Detachable Head’ engine debuted in 1921 bringing greater power and reliability. However, the Bearcat’s uncompromising nature and scant weather protection saw it cease to exist as a model in its own right some twelve months later. A notably early exponent of the ‘Light Chassis, Big Engine’ formula, the Stutz was among America’s first true sportscars. It also enjoyed a spirited period rivalry with Mercer’s similar Raceabout such that the taunt about being ‘Nuts to drive a Stutz’ was met with the riposte ‘There’s nothing worser than a Mercer’.

Reputedly on display at the Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum, near Lewes for several years, Car Number H6216 has been in the current family ownership since 1991. Lighter than standard thanks to the adoption of a conventional three-speed manual gearbox and back axle (in place of the original transaxle), it has also been uprated with a later Stutz ‘Detachable Head’ engine. Thought to have been done Stateside, the modifications have resulted in a car which the vendor deems to be ‘disconcertingly fast and not just for an Edwardian design but full stop’. Intriguingly, another Stutz Bearcat listed as ‘H6216’ sold in America for $156,800 during 2022. However, that example was subject to a saleroom notice which declared it was “titled as model year 1918 by its Car Number 10303” (the same number appearing on its dashboard / ID plaque). Presenting as an older restoration, ‘DS 8901’ is currently running and driving but would benefit from further recommissioning subject to any proper usage (especially given the speed on tap). A rare, desirable and exhilarating American icon.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737