This year marks the 100th anniversary of both the Indianapolis 500 and of the car that was “born” at America’s most famous motor race.
Stutz was an Indiana-based motorcar company founded in 1911 by Harry Stutz. Its first model, the brawny Bearcat, made its debut boldly entering and completing the first Indy 500 ever held. Although it finished 11th in this great endurance test, the fact that it did finish and did so near the top 10 made quite an impression and earned the new car the slogan “the car that made good in a day.”
As a result of this feat – and the fact that it would later go on to set a world speed record and place 2nd only behind Bentley at the 24 Hours of Le Mans – the Stutz brand become forever associated speed and reliability, two qualities that were many times mutually exclusive in the nascent years of motoring.
On May 21st near Seattle a very rare and important collection of Stutz automobiles will be auctioned. The collection of Don and Lynette Short is renowned not just for the quantity of Stutz it comprises – an unheard of eight models, but also for its quality.
“The Shorts have spent a lifetime preserving the history of this remarkable American brand,” says Evan Ide, a specialist in Bonhams’ Motoring Department. “The quality and reputation of their collection is second to none, not to mention the astounding assortment of rare, genuine engines, parts and accessories.”
On the auction block will be highlights that include a 1920 Stutz Bearcat formerly owned by casino magnate William Harrah, a 1921 Stutz Model K “Bulldog,” a 1923 Stutz “Special Six” Roadster, and a 1929 Stutz Blackhawk Roadster.
Additionally, the Short Collection includes many other rare American “brass era” car makes seldom seen for sale. These include a 1905 Locomobile Type E, a 1907 Tourist Model K, a 1911 Mitchell Model T, a 1912 Lambert Model 66, and a 1915 Chalmers Model 6-48. Represented, too, will be exquisite examples of more commonly known but nonetheless important American brands such as Pierce-Arrow, Cadillac, Lincoln, Buick, Studebaker and Oldsmobile.
The Short Collection is truly an incredible representation of America’s illustrious motoring history and offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of this rich heritage. Interested buyers may purchase a catalog and register to bid, in person or remotely, by going to www.bonhams.com/short or calling 415-391-4000.
Auction Schedule
Location: The Port Townsend Aero Museum
Jefferson County Airport, Port Townsend, Washington (across the sound from Seattle)
Preview:
Thursday, May 19th, 10:00am-6:00pm
Friday, May 20th, 10:00am-6:00pm
Sale:
Saturday, May 21st
• Automobilia – mostly without reserve: 10:00am
• Motorcars: 1:00pm
www.bonhams.com/short