1921 Stutz Series K Bearcat

1921 Stutz Series K Bearcat
Chassis no. 10166
Engine no. K10284
360ci T-Head 16-Valve 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Stromberg Carburetor
88bhp
3-Speed Manual Transaxle
Front and Rear Leaf Spring Suspension
Rear Drum Brakes

*Single family ownership from new
*Never offered for sale
*Equipped with special equipment from new
*California history from new
*Shown at the Pebble Beach Concours D'elegance

THE STUTZ BEARCAT

In the world of antique cars, few names resonate like the Stutz Bearcat. Images of young gentlemen in raccoon coats racing around the countryside with a college pennant attached to the car often come to mind, and for the era, there were few cars as sought after and mythical in stature.

The Stutz Company and the Bearcat model were famous from day one. Soon after completion, Harry C. Stutz sent the prototype Bearcat racer to compete in the 1911 inaugural Indianapolis 500 race. The untested car did remarkably well, finishing the race and beating many established brands, earning the Stutz the slogan, "The Car That Made Good in a Day."

First offered to the public in 1912, the Bearcat was essentially a road-worthy version of the highly successful Stutz racers that followed the original Indy car. A radically designed sports car through and through, the Bearcat had just two bucket seats and no convertible top or windshield. Like the Stutz racing cars, the Bearcat was constructed around a low-slung chassis, ensuring a lower center of gravity and good handling characteristics in addition to its lightweight design.

Initially powered by a Wisconsin T-head engine, it would be eventually replaced by a Stutz-built, sixteen-valve, four-cylinder unit that drew heavily on Stutz's racing experience. The Stutz "White Squadron" racers were powered by engines featuring four valves per cylinder; the potential increase in performance over a traditional two-valve motor was made clear!

The new, more advanced motor demanded an improved car. Stutz responded with a heavier chassis to cope with the power, as well as attractive modern coachwork. Still built on a short and light 120" chassis, the new model would move the center of gravity even lower by placing the tank down low in the rear, with a rear deck fitted to hold a couple of raked spares in racing fashion. This redesign produced an aesthetically menacing machine and would bestow upon the Bearcat its second golden era. Challenged only by its fierce rival, the Mercer Raceabout, the Bearcat represented the ultimate in American sporting cars of the time.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Seldom do we have the chance to offer such an iconic vintage automobile that still resides in the possession of the original purchaser's family. This superb Stutz Bearcat has spent nearly a century in the loving care of one family. The car was purchased new in 1921 by John Wheeler at what was likely a Stutz agency in San Francisco. Photos from it as new confirm it being delivered and equipped with some unusual features. One can clearly see the extended shift lever, wire stone guard and leather hood bridle in the early photos. This proves if you could afford a Bearcat they would make some non-standard accommodations for the buyer. John Wheeler used the car on his honeymoon driving his new bride from Fresno, California to British Columbia and back.

In the 1970s, the original purchaser's son, B.C. "Short" Wheeler, realized the Stutz was quite an important and desirable motor car, deserving of a bit of refreshing. The Stutz was entrusted to an Ex-Harrah's Auto Collection restorer Everett Adams in Sparks, Nevada. Taking five years to complete, the Stutz emerged in gleaming condition. It received "Best of Show" in the first place it was shown—the Harrah's car show. The Stutz would appear at car events on the West Coast over the year and was invited and shown at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance.

Since it restoration, it has been used regularly, but lightly, and has been maintained by the noted restorer and Stutz specialist, Tom Bachelor. It is reported to be in fine working order and the four-decade old restoration still presents quite handsomely. Being one many collectors consider the best configuration of a late Bearcat – attractive late coachwork with the beautiful looking non-DH engine. Many of the later style cars feature the convenient passenger door that makes maneuvering into the car more fluid, particularly when using the top.

It would not be hyperbole to say this is a rare opportunity. No other single-family ownership Stutz Bearcats are known to exist; therefore, this is truly unrepeatable. With it superb authenticity and priceless period photos it has a level of history rarely found with American cars of this period. This is an opportunity not to be missed.