Car No. 10986

Engine No. 10986

Making their automotive start in racing, Henry Stutz alongside his friend Henry Campbell would build their first racing car in just five weeks before entering it in the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911. Driven by Gil Anderson, this model would take home 11th place at the inaugural 500-mile race, earning the moniker, "The Car That Made Good in a Day" and launching their stellar reputation for high-performance vehicles for the sporting individual. After changing their name from The Ideal Motor Car Company and officially becoming the Stutz Motor Car Company in 1913, Stutz cars would win eight out of ten national events before being crowned America's racing champion in 1915 after winning the AAA Championship Car season. After continuing to add to their excellent reputation for some of the world's most exciting automobiles, Stutz would continue to refine their Bearcat adding several improvements over the years to the initial stripped-down racer.

Evolving into the Series K for 1920, the next year Stutz would unveil an all-new "D-H" engine with a detachable cylinder head allowing for complete accessibility of the valves, cylinders, and pistons from the top of the motor. Factory literature would also boast that the new "D-H" engine increases acceleration by 90 percent from 10 to 60 miles per hour and provides a 40 percent greater speed range allowing for sustained cruising at higher speeds without overtaxing the power plant. Delivering an impressive 90 horsepower that made it one of the most impressive sports cars of its era, the "irresistible pulling power with silent smoothness at slowest speeds" described by Stutz was not an exaggeration and as a result, these vehicles remain some of the most drivable and desirable models from the Nickel Era.

Understanding the importance of these now highly desirable detachable head "D-H" models at a time when very few shared his knowledge, this 1922 Stutz Series K Bearcat was discovered by devoted car enthusiast Elbert "Val" Valentine in the early 1970s. With a lifelong interest in automobiles, Val worked in the engine development department for General Motors after graduating from MIT in addition to restoring several impressive vehicles with his father including a 1937 Mercedes Benz 540 K Cabriolet, 1922 Marmon Speedster, and a 1923 Stutz Bearcat. As Val was often busy completing other restorations or assisting others with vast knowledge, his own personal projects were forced to progress at a slow pace and the restoration of his personal Bearcat chassis number 10986, would turn into a 30-plus year meticulous nut-and-bolt restoration.

Purchased by the next caretaker around 2003, records indicate 10986 was acquired in about 70 percent completed condition. After having previously restored many different cars at the world-famous Harrah's Automobile Collection, the new owner was well suited to complete the restoration on this Stutz Bearcat. Fulfilling their dream of owning a Bearcat, once restoration was completed the owner would complete two vintage car tours and accumulate a little over 600 miles before selling the car in 2016.

Currently displaying 751 miles at the time of cataloging, this Stutz Bearcat is offered in attractive condition with only careful use following an older but well-preserved restoration that has been cosmetically enhanced by the current owner including new paint, new interior upholstery, and a new convertible top. Finished in a sleek black exterior with a folding hardtop and leather interior, additional features such as Houk "Quik-Change" painted wire wheels, dual headlamps, and a driver-side mounted spot lamp accentuate this highly desirable example.