Steeped in fascinating provenance with single family ownership and loving care from new, this dashing, LeBaron-bodied 1932 Stutz DV-32 Convertible Coupe is a thrilling find. At the November 1931 Chicago Auto Show, this DV-32 captivated Arthur N. Powers, a successful businessman and longtime Stutz owner from Kankakee, Illinois. He immediately wanted to purchase it as a high school graduation present for his daughter. However, since it was scheduled for further auto shows, Mr. Powers issued a check for it and advised that the car was not needed until the following June. While attending Northwestern University, Mr. Powers’ daughter created a sensation with the Stutz and she retained it until WWII, at which point she acquired a Ford and gave the Stutz to her father.

Mr. Powers retained the DV-32 through the mid-1950s and his grandson, the consignor, fondly recalls helping polish it on Sunday visits. Next, the Stutz was stored in Connecticut with an uncle of the consignor until the early 1970s, when it was brought to California. Retaining the services of legendary hot rod enthusiast Tom Sparks, the DV-32 was disassembled and restored, with the exterior faithfully returned to its original dark burgundy color. Given the Stutz’s low mileage and excellent condition, the engine was given a simple inspection and fitted with modern shell-type main bearings. The Stutz Convertible top was recreated in Gray Herringbone Hartz fabric to match the original top material found on the original top boot.

Following completion, the Stutz debuted at the CCCA Grand Classic in Huntington Beach, California, in 1974, followed by the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® in 1975. Further show entries followed through 2017, mostly in Southern California and CCCA events. In 1977, the Stutz was profiled by author Henry Rasmussen in his book, The Survivors: American Classic Cars. In 1998, the DV-32 served as the wedding “getaway car” for the consignor and his bride. In 2011, the consignor and his beloved Stutz participated in the 100th Anniversary of Stutz Motor Cars at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in advance of the 100th Indianapolis 500, where Stutz debuted.

As offered, this 1932 Stutz DV-32 Convertible Coupe remains exemplary, consistent with its lifelong history as a cherished family heirloom. Accompanying items include: tool rolls and a service and maintenance chronology under the current ownership; articles, including one from 1950; photographs and transparencies; copies of 1950s registrations issued to first owner Arthur Powers; an historical account by the consignor; technical specifications, and starting instructions. Celebrating and exemplifying American engineering with styling prowess during the 1925–1948 Classic Era, this exceedingly rare and handsome, one-family-owned 1932 Stutz DV-32 Convertible Coupe carries wonderful provenance and pure Jazz Age glamour.