To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Amelia
Island event, 8 - 9 March 2019.
Estimate:
$125,000 - $150,000
- Commissioned by the government of Finland
- Believed to be a unique example built by Philips Custom Body
Co.
- Recent mechanical freshening by Classic Auto Services and
Holman Engineering
- Less than 71,000 kilometers, believed original
- Known ownership history from new
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
Harry Clayton Stutz's marque would always be known for building
performance-driven automobiles. The firm introduced its 1928 line
of automobiles at The Splendid Stutz Convention in Indianapolis,
12-14 December 1927. The car differed sufficiently from its
predecessor to earn a new designation and was named Series BB.
The Vertical 8 engine in the Series BB, albeit with many
improvements, was introduced during 1927. This was the engine that
earned Stutz the AAA title of Stock Car Champion in 1927. With 115
hp advertised and gobs of torque, this was among the fastest
American cars in 1928. Despite the accolades, production and sales
were only about 2,500 units for the model year.
This unique 1928 Stutz Speedster was commissioned by the government
of Finland and custom-built by Philips Custom Body Co. of Warren,
Ohio. Philips was contracted by Stutz to build 25 convertible
coupes and closed sedans that year. As evidenced by the
coachbuilder's badges, this Stutz appears to be the only known
phaeton produced by Philips in 1928 and is likely a one-off
example. It was delivered new to Finland and used as a dignitary
transport vehicle and parade car until 1960. The original flag
holders remain, and the odometer reads just under 71,000
kilometers, believed to be since new.
The Stutz was then sold to Heikki Vilamo of Finland in 1960 who
entered it in vintage races across Finland, Sweden, and Germany
from 1965-1967. Vilamo put the Stutz in storage in 1969 where it
remained until it was purchased in 1994 by U.S. businessman Roy
Malool from the family of Vilamo. Malool shipped it back to the
U.S. and drove it once, placing the car in climate-controlled
storage in New Hampshire, where it remained until acquired by the
consignor in February 2016.
A complete mechanical sorting was undertaken by Bob Waller at
Classic Auto Services in New Hampshire, including engine and
cooling systems flushing, removal and cleaning of the oil pan, and
brake reconditioning, including rebuilding the original master
cylinder and brake cylinders. Furthermore, the original water
jackets were removed, the internal engine cavity thoroughly
cleaned/flushed, and new stainless-steel water jackets were
fabricated along with fitting correct new gaskets. The original
muffler was replaced by an NOS muffler (in its original crate) that
accompanied the car when shipped new to Finland! The vacuum fuel
pump has been rebuilt and a reproduction aluminum Zenith carburetor
based on the original was built by John Gruner. Reclaimed jets were
fitted and tuned by George Holman at Holman Engineering, who also
manufactured and installed a new water pump spindle.
According to the consignor, it is thought that the car was
repainted prior to Malool's ownership, but otherwise the body has
never been off the frame. The convertible top was replaced in 1965
and was recently re-stretched. One of the wooden top bows was found
to be cracked and both sides at the stress points have received
Dutchman repairs. A current New Hampshire inspection sticker
evidences the roadability of this unusual and unique Stutz.To view
this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please
visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am19.