In the 1920s, the Bearcat benefited from the marque’s ongoing racing experience, as the once-mighty Wisconsin T-head engine was eventually replaced with a more advanced Stutz-built, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine that was cast in a single block. Competing alongside other highly sought-after vehicles like the Mercer Raceabout, the Bearcat represented the pinnacle of American automobiles of the era. Today, collectors prize these later examples of the model as the best of all worlds, predating the introduction of the detachable cylinder head and yet providing the passenger with the luxury of improved accessibility by a side door to the body.

This Bearcat carries the simplest of histories. It was purchased new by John Wheeler through a San Francisco dealership. As seen in copies of photographs showcasing the brand-new car, it was equipped with unique features, including a wire radiator stone guard, extended gearshift lever, and leather hood bridle. Mr. Wheeler is said to have driven the car all the way from Fresno to British Columbia and back on his honeymoon, exemplifying the sporting lifestyle that attracted adventurous owners to the Bearcat in its heyday.

With the advent of the fashion of collecting and preserving cars, John Wheeler’s son, B.C. “Short” Wheeler, decided to restore the Stutz to its prime condition. After careful research, Mr. Wheeler selected Everett Adams of Sparks, Nevada, to handle this exercise; as a former Harrah Collection restorer and skilled technician, Adams was well-versed in the Bearcat. After five years of effort, this example emerged looking just as it had in its original 1920s black and white photos. The stunning quality of the restoration was quickly confirmed, as the car was rewarded with a Best in Show at a Harrah’s car show, and First in Class at the 1976 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. The Wheeler family proudly maintained the Bearcat for decades, employing Stutz gurus, including Tom Batchelor, to ensure the car remained in good order.

In 2018, after nearly a century of ownership, the Wheeler family decided to sell the car. Stan Lucas became its second owner, chasing away all competition in 2018, when he acquired it at public sale. By then, single- or low-ownership cars had become a particular passion for Mr. Lucas, and his keen interest in the Stutz marque ensured that the other bidders did not stand a chance.

Since Mr. Lucas acquired this fine example, it has been secluded in Los Angeles, residing alongside one of the most impressive lineups of Bearcats that one might ever see. This represents a rare opportunity to acquire a remarkably authentic example of a 104-year-old automobile – still closely resembling its original condition – and become only its third custodian in more than a century.