Lot No: 334
In the current ownership since 1952
1916 Stutz Model 4C Bearcat Roadster
Chassis no. 4C-3560
Engine no. AI-1981
Built in just five weeks, Harry C Stutz's first car did sufficiently well at the 1911 Indianapolis 500, finishing 11th despite numerous stops for fresh tyres, to prompt its creator to set up the Ideal Motor Car Company to manufacture the 'Car That Made Good In A Day'. Ohio-born Harry Stutz had enjoyed a variety of jobs in the Indianapolis automobile industry before coming up with the design for a rear transaxle transmission, which was built from 1910 by his Stutz Auto Parts Company. The fact that only one year later he managed to build his first automobile and test it successfully in competition says much for Stutz's engineering skills and the extent of his ambition.
The first production models were closely based on the successful Indianapolis car and featured proprietary Wisconsin engines and Stutz's own rear three-speed transaxle. A 60 hp four, the 6.4-litre Wis