Established in Indianapolis and steeped in the city’s racing lore, Stutz produced some of America’s most exciting motorcars throughout its quarter-century in existence, despite its turbulent corporate history. Company founder Harry C. Stutz may have left by 1919 to establish another automobile company, but the arrival of auto-industry veteran Frederick E. Moscovics as president in 1926 ushered in a promising new era for Stutz, based around the advanced new Vertical Eight engine. Initially displacing five liters, the new straight-eight powerplant featured a sophisticated chain-driven overhead camshaft design, engineered by Charles Geuter. Producing 115 HP, the new Stutz was among the fastest American cars of the era, including such leading-edge features as 10 main bearings, dual ignition, cross-flow porting and dual-throat carburetion, plus servo-assisted brakes. Racing was integral to the Stutz marketing plan, and victories and speed records soon followed, including the 1927 AAA championship, plus a new stock-car speed record at Daytona Beach. In 1928, a convincing return to international racing resulted in a second-place podium at Le Mans. For 1929, Stutz offered only the Model M chassis, featuring the potent 322 CI SOHC inline 8-cylinder powerplant in a low-profile chassis initially equipped with a 3-speed Warner transmission, and then, for 1930 only, a new 4-speed transmission from Detroit Gear and Machine was used. The chassis was equally advanced, equipped with worm drive and a dropped frame. Timken hydrostatic brakes were superseded by Lockheed hydraulic brakes with large finned drums on all four wheels. Solid front and live rear axles were located by semi-elliptic leaf springs, and Bijur central chassis lubrication was standard. A wide array of body styles from noted outside suppliers was available, ranging from sober and luxurious sedans and limousines to sporting convertibles and even sleek speedsters. In 1930, Stutz reorganized its lineup with the Model M redesignated MA on the same wheelbase as before, and the new Model MB on a 145-inch wheelbase chassis, with both powered by the proven 322/115 HP inline 8-cylinder Vertical Eight engine. This handsome 1930 Stutz MB Convertible Coupe includes the Stutz inline 8-cylinder engine, numbered 32494 and paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. Finished in white with red fenders, the Stutz is accented by a tan soft top and red bench-seat passenger compartment. Desirable features include Stewart-Warner gauges and a Waltham clock, as well as a “Stutz: The Car That Made Good In A Day” commemorative timepiece, metal door sills with embossed Stutz lettering, Stutz 8 badges and an Egyptian Sun God Ra radiator mascot. Completed by chrome bumpers and trim, red wire wheels with Stutz center caps, wide whitewall tires, dual side-mount spare tires and a golf-bag door, this CCCA Full Classic motorcar offers the height of Jazz Age glamor and enjoyment.
