Stutz of Indianapolis, “The Car That Made Good in a Day,” was among the most revered performance-oriented automakers of the Classic Era, especially known for its successes in international competition.

The Stutz “Vertical Eight” offered here was built for modern competition, with prior owner Jim Griggs having intended to use it for The Great Race, the famous American long-distance timed rally. Mr. Griggs oversaw a complete restoration in which the overhead-cam engine was rebuilt from top to bottom, with the cylinder block align-bored and decked, and benefited from internal updates, including Packard rods, new bearings, a modified high-capacity oil pump, new valve guides, and a custom-ground cam by Delta Camshaft. A custom-fabricated top-end oiling system was designed to improve lubrication at sustained high rpms. Further, a ground and lightened flywheel was modified to accommodate a modern diaphragm-style clutch, paired with a heavy-duty Ford four-speed synchromesh gearbox and a custom Ford nine-inch rear axle, built with all-new bearings and gears. The Model M suspension was restored and left intact, preserving the car’s original handling characteristics.

Well-known coachbuilder and restorer Patrick Kelso of Pennsylvania recreated LeBaron’s torpedo speedster—one of the most beautiful and sought-after body styles on the Model M—from aluminum and steel, including the signature cut-down doors and rounded, tapered tail treatment. To better suit the rigors of open-road rallying, the car was fitted with cycle fenders, a folding top, and a full windshield, all thoughtfully and properly constructed to a high standard.

Shortly after completion, the car received a Palmetto Award at the 2016 Hilton Head Concours d’Elegance. It did not take part in The Great Race as intended and since acquisition for the collection of Ron and Sarah Jury in 2021, has been preserved to their high standards, remaining in excellent overall condition, with some signs of enthusiastic use to the engine compartment finishes. Indeed, considerable work has been undertaken to improve the car mechanically, with invoices on file for the overhaul of the starter and fuel pump for dependable starting and reliability, installation of new wheel cylinders and braking system, repairs to the fuel tank, and a rebuilt water pump, performed by Empire Automotive of Kansas City in the summer of 2023.

While the temptation to continue showing it is certainly present, the Stutz would also be a wonderful choice for its intended use, traveling hundreds of miles at a breezy clip across the United States.