Vehicle Description
In the mid-1920s, the brilliant engineer Fredrick Moscovics took
over control of Stutz Motor Car Company following the contentious
departure of the company's founder and namesake, Harry C. Stutz.
History generally dictates that the exodus of a leader like Stutz
would soon spell the end for an automobile company, but with
Moscovics at the helm, that was certainly not the case. His talent
and creative energy rejuvenated the Stutz Motor Car Company,
leading them into one of the most successful periods in company
history. The Moscovics-designed "Safety Stutz" chassis arrived in
the late 20s, and in 1927 was paired with his new 287 cubic-inch
"Vertical Eight" engine, dubbed "Challenger." The highly advanced
Vertical Eight earned its name from its above-average height,
necessitated by a long-stroke cylinder block design topped with a
sophisticated new overhead cam head. The engine's lack of rockers
and pushrods translated into silent, smooth operation with
class-leading horsepower and torque. The Safety Stutz chassis was a
rigid, double-drop design that kept the center of gravity low and
imparted the cars with exceptional handling. The series AA was a
critical success and a sporting one - taking the AAA-sanctioned
Stock Car crown in 1927, winning every race it entered. The AA
evolved into the BB, with several improvements to the engine and
chassis specification. Now displacing 299 cubic inches, the Series
BB engine produced 110 horsepower or more depending on the
compression ratio. In 1928, a French team entered a Stutz BB
Blackhawk at the 24 Hours of LeMans. The underdogs from
Indianapolis put up a formidable fight against the mighty Works
Bentley squad. In the closing hours of the grueling race, the
leading Bentley 4 � of Woolf Barnato was getting reeled-in by the
rapid Stutz. When the dust settled, Stutz achieved a surprise 2nd
place overall finish, earning the marque accolades worldwide for
its impressive reliability and performance. Inspired by Stutz's
storied competition history, this 1930 Model M Boattail Speedster
is a fabulous one-off creation modeled after the Stutz "Jones
Special" Indy car of 1930. Created from the ground up using a 1930
Model M engine and chassis, this rare and desirable Stutz was
discovered in the early 2000s as a disassembled project missing its
original coachwork. The owner, an experienced collector and avid
Stutz enthusiast, commissioned the restoration and transformation
into this well-sorted, beautifully finished, and thoughtfully
reimagined motorcar built for long-distance rallies. The original
intention was to run the car in The Great Race, though he
ultimately never entered the event. With the project's blueprint
established, they began by stripping and rebuilding the chassis and
running gear. The overhead-cam Vertical Eight engine was completely
rebuilt from top to bottom. Records show the cylinder block was
align-bored and decked, and internal updates include Packard rods,
new bearings, and a modified high-capacity oil pump. At the top
end, the cylinder head was completely rebuilt with new guides, and
the cam was ground to custom specs by Delta Camshaft. They also
added a custom-fabricated top-end oiling system to improve
lubrication at high revs. Backing the engine is a ground and
lightened flywheel, modified to accommodate a modern
diaphragm-style clutch. In place of the standard three-speed
transmission is a four-speed synchromesh gearbox sourced from a
mid-80s Ford pickup, which directs power to a custom Ford 9-inch
rear axle built with all new bearings and gears. The standard Model
M suspension was restored and left virtually stock, preserving the
car's original character and excellent handling. With the chassis
dialed-in, the focus shifted to the coachwork. Inspiration for the
distinctive boattail speedster body came directly from the Jones
Stutz Special. Patrick Kelso of Pennsylvania created the body from
aluminum and steel, and the superbly detailed form mimics the Jones
Special's signature cut-down cockpit and rounded streamlined tail
treatment. To better suit the rigors of long-distance, open-road
rallying, it features cycle fenders all around along with a folding
top and windscreen. The restored wire wheels are wrapped in
high-performance Excelsior black wall tires, providing the
finishing touch for the purposeful and aggressive stance. The
quality of the craftsmanship is no more apparent than in the superb
paintwork and interior. The radiant two-tone blue livery is
finished to a very high standard and ideally suits the sporting
character. The blue leather cockpit is also excellent, displaying
minimal signs of use since its completion just a few years ago.
Details like the canvas fender skirts, integrated trunk, and fully
operational roadster top highlight the body's thoughtful and
well-planned construction. While the Stutz was built for
competitive historic rallying, no corners were cut in making it a
visually striking motorcar. As a testament to its quality, it won a
Palmetto Award at the 2016 Hilton Head Concours d'Elegance shortly
after its restoration. This enormously charming and wholly unique
Stutz Model M is perfect for entry into a wide variety of
competitive and casual driving events, including The Great Race and
more. With its myriad mechanical improvements, there is little
doubt it will provide its next caretaker with countless miles of
motoring excitement. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6746-1930-stutz-model-m-boattail-speedster/