1917 Stutz Bearcat Roadster Model R

Designed to meet the needs of customers wishing to own a race-pedigree roadster for everyday sporting use, the Stutz Bearcat was based largely on the successful 1911 Indianapolis 500 car built by Harry Clayton Stutz, which he constructed in just five weeks, funded by his previous invention, the rear transaxle transmission, which was constructed from 1910 by the Stutz Auto Parts Company.

These early production vehicles - built up until mid-1917 - featured a proprietary 6.4-litre inline-four Wisconsin engine of the twin-camshaft T-head type, and produced around 50bhp when new. This was sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed transaxle-mounted gearbox of Stutz’ own design, whilst the stripped-down bodywork meant that the Bearcat was widely regarded as one of the first true production sports cars.

During 1917, the Wisconsin engine was phased out in favour of an in-house inline-four monoblock of a smaller displacement, however this proved to be somewhat of a downgrade, as many of these engines developed cracks between cylinders two and three, whilst Wisconsin engines suffered no such issues, making them all the more desirable to collectors today.

This 1917-registered Bearcat Model R would have been one of the last produced before the engine change-over, featuring the original non-Stutz four-cylinder, as well as the larger 56-inch rear springs, which were added to vehicles in early 1917 to enhance comfort for the vehicle’s occupants. It retains its original bronze Stromberg carburettor, Stutz-branded headlights and Monometer and boasts the optional Hook wire wheels, which are shod in 35 x 5 Goodrich Silvertown tyres, with two spares mounted on the rear deck and the correct wheel spanner included. Boasting rear drum brakes operated by both hand and foot levers, a leather-faced cone clutch, Bosch magneto and switchgear, and a Remy electronic starter, this Bearcat was notably advanced for its age, though a hand-crank starter was provided for those on the braver side of life. The original trembler/magneto ignition setup has been retained on this example, with the car starting from cold from the trembler coil, switching across to the magneto once running.

Whilst little is known about the vehicle’s history in America other than a plaque from the 1951 Dearborn rally being attached to the firewall, along with a Pennsylvania special plate (S31833 PA), we do know that the vehicle was subsequently shipped to Italy later in its life, where it remained for a number of years in the care of a collector, before being imported to the UK and sold in 2010 at auction. It's believed that it was once owned by the Du Pont family, having allegedly been a 16th birthday present for Henry Du Pont. Sadly, there is no documentation to back this up, though when sold in 2010 it was listed as “formerly the property of the Du Pont family.”

Following its purchase by the current owner, John Bertorelli of the Stutz Owners Club visited the vehicle, inspected it thoroughly and declared it to be correct as well as being of particular interest, since the Club had lost connection to the vehicle, and thought it to be lost in the sands of time. Most importantly, however, Mr Bertorelli also stated that this example is the only 1917 Bearcat Model R left in existence, a statement that we have no doubt will whet the appetite of many collectors and enthusiasts.

Whilst the vehicle remains unmolested and appears essentially in original specification throughout, the 390ci engine has been rebuilt at great expense by renowned veteran car restorer Nigel Parrot of NP Engineering in Heathfield, Sussex at a cost of £30,000. Since this work was carried out, the Stutz has been in regular use, winning awards at various classic and vintage automotive events, along with having successfully tackled the hill at the Kop Hill 2018 event.

In the cockpit, the car remains as-built with numerous gauges showing the engine to be in decent mechanical health and displaying excellent oil pressure as well as indicating that the recently re-built charging system is performing flawlessly. Recently, a new hood has been fitted although the original Bakelite surround and rear bevelled glass window were retained and fitted to the new roof.

Described by our vendor as being “a joy to drive and be driven in” this sole-surviving 1917 Stutz Bearcat Model R is a super example of an American Veteran (Edwardian in the UK), exhibiting a delightful and well-earned patina with the benefit of a recent extensive engine rebuild. Ready for continued use and enjoyment, this VCC passport-holding Bearcat Model R is unique, delightful and is certain to be a sure-fire conversation starter wherever it goes.