COMPANY

Stutz classic cars were the chosen cars of exuberant flappers, gangsters and college men in raccoon coats. These legendary cars were famed for their powerful engines and transmissions.

The Stutz company was founded by Harry C. Stutz, chief engineer and factory manager of the Marion Motor Car Co. The first car dubbed the Stutz was built in a mere five weeks. Soon after completion, the car was entered in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the inaugural Indy 500. It won eleventh place. After this successful race, a duplicate of the vehicle was manufactured by the Ideal Motor Car Co. in 1911. It was christened the Stutz Model A.

In 1912, the company created the legendary Stutz Bearcat sports car. By 1913, the Ideal Motor Car Co. became the Stutz Motor Car Co. The demand for Stutz cars increased, cementing the vehicles as desirable sports cars that oozed power and prestige.

After Harry C. Stutz sold the company to investors, the Bearcat ceased production and the company focused on changing the company image. Instead of building powerful, masculine cars, the company began to focus on designing elegant sedans. These newer cars relied on European styling, improving both their handling and performance. In 1925, Frederick E. Moskovics became the designer of these European-style cars and was instrumental in creating the gorgeous open and closed Safety Stutz models.

The Safety Stutz models featured an inline engine. These particular cars had a single overhead camshaft. Another highlight was a dual ignition that boasted two plugs for each cylinder. It was dubbed the "Vertical Eight".

As the 1930s approached, Stutz cars decreased in sales. The Great Depression had the world in its grip and the public could no longer afford to buy luxury cars. In response to the struggling economy, the company tried selling 6-cylinder cars. These cars included a sedan, a standard coupe and five semi-customized body styles. The most inexpensive Stutz car during this time sold for about $1,620.

Since their inception, Stutz cars have been associated with speed, power and luxury. Its innovative design and contributions to automobile engineering have made the brand, Stutz a legendary name in the world of luxury cars. While the early Stutz cars are considered classics, the Stutz company continues to create some of the most luxurious cars on the planet. From its early beginnings as a masculine race car to its current status as a high-end luxury car, Stutz vehicles remain one of the most highly coveted automobiles in the world.