Stutz heads rare-car auction
A 1916 Stutz Model 4C Bearcat Roadster will lead Mossgreen’s auction of collectors’ cars, motorcycles and automobilia in mid-October.
The Stutz pictured was imported into Australia soon after completion at Harry Stutz’s Ideal Motor Car Company in Indianapolis.
It is estimated it will reach between $320,000 -$360,000 at the October 18 auction at the Mossgreen auction rooms in High St, Armadale (Vic).
The Stutz’s chassis and engine numbers are confirmed as correct for the model by the Stutz Club of America.
Further verifying the car’s authenticity is the original Bosch magneto as there were no restrictions on German products at the time of its construction, in 1916. Australia's ban on the importation of Bosch-equipped cars was enforced on 1 January, 1918, indicating this car as an Australia delivery prior to that date.
In 1996, this historically significant veteran car was dismantled and restored. It is one of the most significant American veteran cars and the only known bucket-seat roadster Bearcat in Australia.
Veteran vehicles of this rarity seldom come on the open market, particularly one that has remained in single ownership since 1952 and having ownership history dating to the mid-1930s and evidence of registration in Australia in 1916.
Also up for auction will be a 1958 Jaguar XK150 fixed-head coupe (auction estimate: $140-$160,000), a 1956 Ford Thunderbird ($52,000-$56,000) and 1962 Borgward Isabella coupe ($13,000-$15,000).
Head of sale Robbie Richards told Unique Cars on August 31 that they were hoping for more entries in the auction but that he was pleased with the dozen or so cars and 12 motorcycles that had already been included.
"We’ve still got a bit longer with our deadline," Mr Richards said.
This type of sale was held twice a year, he said.
He said the Stutz was definitely the "standout" car.
"It’s very rare; it’s the best in Australia and, on an international scale, there are only 25 examples of that car," he said.
Mossgreen offers online bidding via Mossgreen live – visit www. Mossgreen.com.au.
For further enquiries, contact Catherine Davison at catherine.Davison@MossGreen.com.au
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