As Stutz increasingly developed its single-cam inline eight-cylinder engine in the late 1920s, they also experimented with reaching back to their performance past, building bodies to suit the new engine’s heat. “Semi-custom” offerings were led by two speedster bodies from coachbuilder LeBaron, a two- and four-passenger, both with racing-style “cut-down” front doors and, on the four-passenger model, an optional second cowl and windshield for the rear-seat passengers. It was an ideal performance automobile for its time and attracted the same sort of buyers that had loved Stutz Bearcats in the teens.

The Four-Passenger Tonneau Cowl Speedster offered here is an authentic original example, which Stutz historians believe was formerly part of the well-known Homer Fitterling collection in Indiana. It was sold in 1997 through a Georgia dealer to Henry Petronis of Maryland; shortly thereafter, it was acquired by the late James A. Grundy Sr., of Maryland.

Mr. Grundy commissioned a beautiful and authentic restoration of the Stutz by Chalfant Motor Car Company of Parkesburg, Pennsylvania. The engine was rebuilt by the noted Chris Leydon, then of Leydon Restorations in Lahaska, Pennsylvania, who remains highly regarded for his expertise with high-performance engines of this era. Accompanying the car are partial documentation of the Chalfant work and full documentation of the Leydon engine rebuild, including photographs and invoices, as well as reprinted manuals and maintenance information.

Unfortunately, by the time the restoration was completed in 2007, Mr. Grundy was able to show it only briefly, including winning a Lion Award at the 2003 Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance, before his poor health prevented him from driving the car. It was then added to the current owner’s wonderful collection, where it has been maintained since. It is believed to have not been shown in the current ownership, and is therefore open to a world of new awards and opportunities for a proud new caretaker.

Examples of this striking and sporting body style, emblematic of Stutz’s legendary engineering and performance, are rarely seen. This is the opportunity to acquire one with superb provenance, offered from a fine home.