Beschreibung:

Photo Credit: James Mann FROM THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM B. RUGER 1919 STUTZ SERIES G ROADSTER Chassis No. G 4342 Engine No. G 4151 Red with black fenders and tan leather upholstery Engine: four cylinder, monobloc, 16 valve, T-head, 43/8" x 6" bore and stroke, Stromberg carburetor, Delco dual head distributor, 361ci, 80hp at 2,400rpm; Gearbox: manual three speed and reverse, shaft drive; Suspension: semi-elliptic springs front and rear; Brakes: rear wheel drum. Right hand drive. In the motoring world, say "Stutz" and an almost automatic response is the utterance of the word "Bearcat". The general public could be forgiven for thinking that the Stutz Bearcat was the only model made by the company. However, since 1911 when Harry Stutz set up his own firm, there had always been two-seater Roadsters and Touring cars to keep company the limited number of Bearcats made each year. Mechanically there was no significant difference between the stark Bearcat and the far more practical Roadster, simply a 10 inch shorter wheelbase and less bodywork for the former. Up to 1917 Stutz used bought-in Wisconsin engines, but in the later part of the year the firm introduced its own 16-valve, twin spark engine for all models. The efficiency of the 'breathing' and ignition arrangements meant that the engine provided outstanding torque, notwithstanding its 5.8-litre capacity. Thus three forward speeds in the gearbox were not only adequate, but were something of a luxury, giving a dual personality to the cars. They could be driven from walking pace to a speed approaching 100mph all in top gear, or, if the lower speeds were used, the performance was sparkling. Thus it is not surprising that Stutz cars were highly successful in racing from the day of their inception and achieved public recognition way beyond the limited numbers made. This particular Roadster in the Ruger Collection can be traced back to the second owner who was a Dr. Henry O. Eggert of San Francisco, California and who owned the car until 1958 when he offered it for sale in Motor Trend magazine. John G. Fowler, a Brigadier General in the U.S.A.F. in Mississippi, subsequently purchased the car and kept it until 1963 when it was acquired by Irvin Blake of Chevy Chase, Maryland. Mr. Ruger then purchased the car in August 1980 via Airport Antique Autos of Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. Through all the different ownerships the Roadster has been well maintained and continually enjoyed, as well as being restored as necessary. Indeed the 1958 restoration is described in a lovely typed letter dated 20 August 1959 from Brigadier General John G. Fowler to Dr. Henry Eggert. The letter explains to Dr. Eggert that the car has just been restored and now runs beautifully and it continues to describe the new hand-buffed Spanish grain brown leather identical to the original and a new top of Naugahyde. The Brigadier states that the car was repainted in red and new Michelin tires were sent from France at a cost of $328.55! At one point he writes "you ought to hear it when I kick the cut-out open". He enthuses about taking the car to Sebring and winning three prizes and managing to complete the quarter mile sprint in 27.3 seconds. A great handwritten reply from Dr. Eggert accompanies this letter, saying how he was almost in tears when he read how much joy they were having with the car. In Mr. Ruger's care the brakes were rebuilt and new kingpins were also made. Also new gears were fitted to the transmission. Then approximately seven years ago a major engine rebuild was completed by Frank Cooke and a mere 49 miles have been driven since. At that time a modern oil pressure gauge and temperature gauge were fitted under the dash. The paint and upholstery are now showing signs of age and have a lovely patina with some of the stitching just beginning to come apart on the seats. A file of Stutz ephemera comes with this lovely car as put together by a former owner which includes copies of Stutz