Chassis DV 46-1367
- Originally purchased off the stand at the 1931 Chicago Auto
Show
- Single-family ownership from new until recently
- Older restoration in dark burgundy with gray herringbone top,
well preserved
- Powered by Stutz's legendary dual-overhead-cam, 32-valve
inline-eight
A striking product of the final years of Stutz Motor Company, the
DV-32 stood at the pinnacle of the marque's evolution-offering
elegant styling, advanced engineering, and formidable performance.
The model's name referenced its defining mechanical feature: a
refined, dual-overhead-cam inline eight-cylinder engine with four
valves per cylinder, totaling thirty-two. Designed by Stutz
engineering chief Charles "Pop" Greuter, the DV-32's 322-cubic-inch
powerplant delivered an impressive 156 horsepower-matching the
Model J Duesenberg in horsepower-per-cubic-inch and capable of
propelling the lithe Stutz to near-triple-digit speeds. Power was
routed through a Warner three-speed transmission, the DV-32 offered
swift, confident touring performance with exceptional flexibility
for its time.
Chassis DV361467 was first exhibited at the November 1931 Chicago
Auto Show, where it caught the attention of Arthur N. Powers, a
successful Illinois businessman and dedicated Stutz enthusiast.
Drawn to its sleek LeBaron Convertible Coupe coachwork and advanced
mechanical specification, Mr. Powers purchased the car on the spot
as a gift for his daughter, who would soon graduate high school and
begin her studies at Northwestern University. As the Stutz remained
on the show circuit, delivery was deferred until the following
summer. During her college years, the car created a minor sensation
on campus, and she continued to drive it into the early 1940s, when
it was returned to her father.
The DV-32 remained a fixture in the Powers family for decades
thereafter. It was retained into the mid-1950s by Arthur Powers
himself and then passed between family members, making its way to
California in the early 1970s to Powers' grandson. There, he
entrusted the Stutz to noted Southern California enthusiast Tom
Sparks for a restoration, which included a return to its original
dark burgundy paint and a new convertible top trimmed in gray
herringbone Hartz fabric, closely matched to the original boot
material. The car has since been maintained with care and regularly
enjoyed by the family, remaining a constant presence through
several generations.
Today, the Stutz remains in well-preserved condition, the
restoration having held up admirably over the decades. The burgundy
paint retains a strong overall presentation, although imperfections
are visible upon close inspection, appropriate for a car restored
in the 1970s and enjoyed with care. The interior presents
particularly well, with upholstery and trim that reflect the high
quality of the original work. The engine bay, like the rest of the
car, shows honest signs of use but remains clean and authentic,
with correct fittings and castings still in place. Mechanically,
the Stutz operates as it should, offering smooth power delivery,
comfortable road manners, and a stirring reminder of the DV-32's
formidable reputation.
Notably, this example is accompanied by a substantial file of
family documentation, tracing its history from new and offering a
rare, unbroken view into its stewardship across generations. From
early photographs and period registrations to personal accounts and
memorabilia, the provenance is as rich as the car is handsome.
Rare, handsome, and technologically fascinating, the DV-32
represents one of the most compelling American sporting cars of the
Classic Era. This LeBaron-bodied Convertible Coupe, with its ideal
combination of visual drama, engineering excellence, and remarkable
continuity of ownership, would be a prize in any collection of
prewar American automobiles. Elegant and substantial, it stands as
a proud reminder of an era when Stutz competed not only with
Duesenberg and Packard, but often surpassed them in spirit, speed,
and sheer individuality.
Offers welcome and trades considered.
