1927 Stutz AA Vertical Eight Black Hawk Two-Passenger Speedster

The 1927 Black Hawk Speedster was the modern successor to the legendary Stutz Bearcat of the Brass Era, and it was the first boattail speedster produced by a major American manufacturer. With its powerful straight-eight engine fed by dual Zenith carburetors and a strong chassis with underslung worm drive and lightweight Robbins bodywork, it was able to capture the Stevens Trophy Cup at Indianapolis, as well as the AAA Stock Car Championship. It was, simply put, America’s fastest production car, but with power and sensual style to spare.

The Stutz offered here was acquired by the current owner, a longtime enthusiast of Classic Era automobiles, as a largely finished project, assembled and complete. When previously owned by passionate Stutz enthusiast and noted racing fabricator James “Jim” Tipke of Spokane, Washington, it had been rebodied in the image of one of the original Black Hawk Speedsters on what appears to have been a largely intact chassis and engine. The consignor then set about completing the project, installing new red leather upholstery by his preferred trimmer, accenting the rich burgundy finish of the exterior and the wire wheels shod in blackwall tires.

Inspection shows that the car has correct manifolding and the original, very difficult to locate, bronze Zenith carburetors. The correct number stamping is present on the engine and matches the plate on the valve cover. Underneath, the brake system has been upgraded to the later 1929–1931 Stutz Lockheed brake system for more durable and dependable operation. The body evokes the original Robbins Black Hawk Speedster, including the design of the tail, and bears correct and original Woodlite headlamps, a popular accessory for luxury automobiles of this time period—always a beautiful and distinctive talking point at any concours.

One of very few Black Hawk Speedsters available, this car has considerable presence and, of course, the performance for which Stutz was renowned. It would be an appealing addition to any Stutz enthusiast’s collection.