To Be OFFERED AT AUCTIONEstimate:
$300,000 - $375,000
- Offered from the Automobile Driving Museum in El Segundo,
California
- Formerly owned by the legendary Stutz enthusiast A.K.
Miller
- One of only three examples believed built
- Well-maintained older Pebble Beach Best in Class-winning
restoration
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
Among the most beautiful sedans of the Classic Era, Stutz's Monte
Carlo was produced by the Weymann American Body Company of
Indianapolis, using the patented French "Weymann method" with outer
body panels of colored synthetic leather. The result was relatively
lightweight and flexible closed coachwork, memorably advertised as
"squeakproof," which when combined with the Monte Carlo's low,
almost menacing lines, resulted in one of the all-time ultimate
Stutzes.
The example offered here was one of three known to have been
produced on the 1930 Model MB chassis, with the powerful 'SV16'
engine. It resided for many years in the fabled Stutz hoard of A.K.
Miller in East Orange, Vermont, from which it was finally sold in
1985, reportedly as part of a package deal to gunmaker and Stutz
enthusiast, William Ruger. Still in very complete original and
unrestored condition, the Monte Carlo was then acquired by the
late, beloved California-based collector, Jacques Harguindeguy, and
was restored by him in concert with mechanic Lloyd Buck and noted
upholsterer Ken Nemanic, the latter known for his artistry in
restoring Weymann bodies. Their hard work paid off in 1990 when the
car was exhibited, fresh from its restoration, at the Pebble Beach
Concours d'Elegance, winning Best in Class, the first of several
honors it would receive in concours competition.
The Stutz was acquired in 1996 by the Blackhawk Collection, then
sold in 2001 to Stanley Zimmerman. Mr. Zimmerman transferred the
car in 2007 to the Automobile Driving Museum of El Segundo,
California, an institution he co-founded, with the focus on
maintaining cars in driving condition and sharing them in that form
with the public. There the car has been well-maintained both
cosmetically and mechanically, while continuing to be shown
regularly at events in Southern California. Now a beautiful older
restoration, it is being sold today to fund the Automobile Driving
Museum's continued operations.
This is an exceptional Stutz, offered for an excellent cause.To
view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo20.
