113 hp, 322 cu. in. 16-valve SOHC inline eight-cylinder, three-speed manual transmission, solid axle suspension with semi-elliptical leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes with servo assist. Wheelbase: 145 in.

• Part of the proceeds to benefit People Helping People

• Believed to be one of only three 1931 Stutz SV-16s known to exist

• Driven sparingly since a restoration in the early-1970s

Designed by Swiss-born Charles Greuter, the Stutz straight-eight was indeed unusual for the industry: a nine main bearing, overhead cam unit with two spark plugs per cylinder, displacing 287 cubic inches while developing 92 horsepower at 3200 rpm. The chassis featured Bijur central lubrication, four-wheel hydraulic brakes, and an underslung worm drive that significantly lowered the chassis but allowed for bodies rakishly lower than the norm. Wire-reinforced glass was used in the windscreen giving credence to the “Safety” designation.

Stutz built some of its finest cars during the Great Depression. Lacking the financial resources to offer the multi-cylinder engines of its competitors, Stutz responded with the 156 horsepower eight-cylinder DV32—a technical “tour de force” featuring twin overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and hemispherical combustion chambers, along with a whopping 300 foot pounds of torque. Once again designed by Chief Engineer Greuter, the DV32 was shown in chassis form at the New York Automobile Show in late-December 1930. When introduced in mid-year, the 113 horsepower Stutz vertical eight, with which the DV32 shared its chassis, was renamed the SV16.

Former owner Mendal Evans first restored this particular car. He received his AACA First Junior in Hagerstown, Maryland in 1970, and shortly after, an AACA Senior Award in Stone Mountain, Georgia. According to an article in the September–October 1971 CCCA Michigan Region Torque, Evans did research on the car and found out that it was entered in a Concours d’Elegance in 1952, and the following year, it placed first in a Grand Prix road race at Watkins Glen, where it was timed at 93 mph! Stutz records are inconclusive, however, according to Stutz expert, the late-Ray Katzell, between 310 and 537 Stutz were produced for the 1931 model year. It is thought to be one of only three extant 1931 Stutz SV16s and is equipped with Bijur chassis lubrication, dual ignition, an overhead cam straight eight, a worm-gear rear end, four-wheel hydraulic brakes with servo assist, and an all-aluminum body—typical attributes of the sophisticated Stutz. According to the owner, the car has been used sparingly, with just 200 miles accumulated since restoration in the early-1970s, and the odometer reading of 81,672 miles is believed to be original.

The car has had a recent mechanical going-over by Howe Motor Works, of Burlington, Ontario, Canada, including a carburetor and distributor rebuild, a relined gas tank, and an engine tune-up. Since the early-1970s restoration, the cabriolet roof has been replaced, the car has been repainted, the interior has been reupholstered, and the electrical system has been updated. Please note that a portion of the proceeds from the sale will be contributed to People Helping People International, Inc., a non-profit organization that helps the poor through micro loans, as well as programs to help orphans.