In December 1963, Esquire magazine published an influential article in which four remarkable automotive “Revival” renderings were presented by design genius Virgil Exner. One such design was a Stutz concept that would become the Blackhawk. The first hand-built cars, priced at an incredible $25,000, were manufactured on a Pontiac platform by Carrozzeria Padane in Modena as 1971 models.

Only the Pontiac chassis and mechanicals were used, while the Blackhawk Series I body was constructed entirely by hand and fitted with a luxurious leather and wood interior. It was true to Exner’s original concept with its dual-pane windscreen and dramatically overhanging fender tips. After just 25 Series I Stutz had been built, it was necessary to dramatically cut costs and subsequent series Blackhawks lost the classic proportions and delicate details of the originals. Just 14 of these rare Series I cars have survived and, according to the consignor, this example is believed to be the 17th built and the one that was exhibited at the 1971 New York International Auto Show.

The current owner purchased the car in 2011 and completed an eight-year restoration, including a blueprinted and dyno-tested engine rebuild. A deep battleship gray was selected to accentuate its extraordinary design and details. Presented today as one of the most accurately and authentically restored examples of the Blackhawk Series I, it stands as a testament to its designer, builder, and the unrepeatable style of the 1970s.