1914 Stutz Model 4E 'Bearcat'

Few names in the motoring world are as recognizable as Stutz. Although Harry Clayton Stutz began his journey in the automotive industry in 1903, it was not until 1911 that his name became synonymous with quality and performance. Just five weeks before the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911, Stutz designed and built a racing car of his own. Named the “Bear Cat,” it finished an extraordinary 11th place without suffering a single mechanical flaw. This achievement inspired the slogan, “The Car That Made Good in a Day,” and began a trailblazing legacy for one of the most famed marques in American automotive history.

This example of Stutz’s legendary 1914 Model 4E is believed to have once been owned by the pioneering collecting trio of Orris Meyers, Purcell M. Ingram, and Orville Race. In 1954, the three opened the Kings of the Road Museum in Cucamonga, California, taking its name from Ken Purdy’s book, The Kings of the Road. Situated along historic Route 66, the museum served as an early roadside automotive attraction for travelers. It is believed that this Stutz, then in touring-bodied form, spent its earliest known days on display there.

By 1957, the Stutz had been acquired by Pacific Auto Rental, a company founded by dentist and automobile enthusiast Dr. George F. Schweiger. The business grew from an automobile collection Dr. Schweiger had assembled beginning in the 1920s, and at its peak comprised more than 300 vehicles. Pacific Auto Rental supplied vehicles to various Hollywood studios, with its collection appearing in countless films and television shows from the 1940s through the 1970s. Prior to its screen debut in The Wings of Eagles, the Stutz was converted from its original touring configuration to Bearcat specification. Such transformations were not an uncommon occurrence during the period, as both body styles shared the same chassis and mechanical underpinnings, making it easy for owners to give touring models the more sporting appearance of the Bearcats.

During its years with Pacific Auto Rental, the Stutz became a Hollywood star. Between 1957 and 1971, it appeared in no fewer than 10 films and television shows, making it one of the most recognizable Brass Era automobiles to grace the silver screen. Throughout its time on Hollywood sets, the Stutz was presented in a variety of color combinations, including red and black, a striking white with a spotlight fitted, and, of course, the marque’s signature yellow. Additionally, while appearing in various productions, Hollywood icons such as John Wayne and James Earl Jones took turns behind the wheel of this very car.

By 1972, the Stutz’s Hollywood career had come to an end. It nevertheless remained part of Dr. Schweiger’s remarkable collection until his passing in 1982. By the early 1990s, the car had joined a significant collection of Brass and Nickel Era automobiles, where it has remained a prominent fixture ever since. Upon its acquisition, the Stutz was subject to a restoration and was finished in its dramatic all-black livery, accented by a black radiator and contrasting red wheels. It still presents wonderfully today.

Among the most recognizable prewar American automobiles, the Stutz Bearcat is one of the finest Brass Era automobiles ever produced. Since its debut, the Stutz has been highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike, thanks in large part to the influence of Ralph Stein’s The Great Cars, the aforementioned Ken Purdy book The Kings of the Road, and nearly a dozen Hollywood productions that prominently featured this exact Bearcat. Today, this Stutz is ready to embark on the next chapter in its already impressive and illustrious history. Collectors seeking to enjoy the thrills of Brass Era motoring should not overlook this opportunity to acquire a fine example from one of the most celebrated marques of the era.

Notes Please note that this vehicle is titled by its engine number.