In the same city whenever celebrated society columnist Walter Winchell would be parked up outside the Plaza Hotel, what would he be in?

Again, a Stutz.

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And when heartthrob actor Gary Cooper could be seen cruising around Hollywood, it was in the same brand of car.

A Stutz!

Stutz! Sounds like a brand of beer, doesn’t it?

But Stutz’s automobiles were what made Indianapolis famous, thanks to a humble workingman called Harry C Stutz. In 1898 Stutz, a twenty-two year old bicycle repairman, built his first automobile, a gas buggy driven by a two horsepower engine. One year later Stutz Manufacturing was founded for the production of gasoline engines.

In 1911 Harry Stutz drove the first car manufactured under the name of Stutz – and only completed and fit to drive the previous day – in the first ever Indianapolis 500 Race. Apart from having to change tires numerous times the car ran flawlessly for the entire five hundred miles. Harry Stutz finished in 11th place, averaging 68 mph over the course. Hence the slogan adopted by the Stutz car company: ‘The Car That Made Good in a Day.’

The next year Stutz cars were placed 1st and 2nd in the 203 mile Illinois Trophy Race at Elgin.

With a vision to create powerful and luxurious automobiles, Stutz had revolutionized the industry with its innovative engineering and exceptional craftsmanship.

One of its most iconic models, the Stutz Bearcat, became a symbol of speed and performance for the early 20th century. Dominating racetracks and capturing the hearts of car enthusiasts, the Bearcat showcased Stutz’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence.

It is not a Bearcat that we presently have at Beverly Hills Car Club but a wonderful example of the next Stutz range, a piece of motoring history, a 1928 Stutz BB Cabriolet that is finished in a mustard yellow exterior with ivory fenders complemented with a beige interior. To further enhance the exterior, this American classic has a rumble seat that gives an option for an open-air experience for additional passengers.

Step inside this classic Stutz and you’ll be greeted with bench seating, providing comfort and style. Featured amenities include analog clock, door pockets, and side-steps.

In 1916, in order to expand, the Stutz Motor Company had brought in further capital, from Wall Street financiers. By 1919 these money men had taken control of the company, with Harry Stutz sidelined.

To revive the marque a further set of new owners, headed by Bethlehem Steels’ Charles M Schwab, took over the company in 1922. They in turn brought in Frederick Ewan Moskovics, an experienced automotive executive and engineer, poached from Daimler. Moskovics sparked a radical Stutz redesign in 1926 by featuring a powerful eight-cylinder engine with an overhead camshaft, mounted in a low-slung chassis that could accommodate stylish bodies. And he refocused the brand toward creating safety cars – which had become a common theme of the period.

Stutz cars were expensive, and once The Great Depression took hold there was no place for a high-priced, hand-made, low production automobile. In 1934, with only a total of 35,000 cars produced in the company’s 25-year history, the last Stutz rolled off the assembly line. And the business closed its doors.

But there was a final act. In 1968 the Stutz brand was revived as Stutz Motor Car of America. Its focus was on producing Neoclassic automobiles, which it did until 1995. This reincarnation of the company had considerable success. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Barry White and Sammy Davis Jr. all owned Stutz cars.

And in the very last picture taken of Elvis Presley whilst he was alive, what was he driving? Yes, you’ve guessed it: a Stutz.

Clearly the Stutz is the King of Classic Cars.

-Alex Manos, Owner