At the core of the Stutz’s new Model H of 1919 was the robust 361-cubic-inch T-head four-cylinder, the same engine powering the legendary Bearcat. Featuring a 5:1 compression ratio, the engine received fuel via a Stromberg updraft carburetor, with pressure supplied through both air and manual hand pumps. This configuration produced a rather incredible output of 80 horsepower at 2,400 rpm.
Engineered in-house by Stutz, the engine was mated to the company’s proprietary three-speed manual transmission. In contrast to the Bearcat, the Model H offered the convenience of an internally accessible gear lever. Both the engine and transmission were mounted to a 130-inch wheelbase chassis, which featured semi-elliptical leaf springs, friction-type shock absorbers, and mechanical drum brakes equipped with four shoes per drum. The interior appointments included leather seating and a comprehensive set of gauges, along with an auxiliary hand pump affixed to the wooden dashboard.
While Stutz did not publish official production figures at the time of the Model H’s release, research drawing on serial number analysis conducted by the Stutz Club suggests that total production of the Model H exceeded 4,000 units.
This well-known and remarkably original 1919 Model H Five-Passenger Touring is offered from 40 years of much-enjoyed single ownership. Though little is known of its early history, under current ownership it has been exhibited in numerous concours and successfully completed several runs of the Stutz Club’s Grand Stutz tour. To improve touring capabilities, the original magneto ignition system has been swapped out in favor of a distributor cap and rotor. However, the factory-correct Bendix drive starter system has been retained and accompanies the sale.
Since 2017, this impressive Stutz has been furnished with more than $50,000 of mechanical refurbishment from the concours-winning team at RM Auto Restoration. Service items of note include full rebuilds of the Stromberg carburetor, radiator, distributor, clutch, wheel hubs, and speedometer, as well as a newly fabricated wiring harness, exhaust system with whistle, radiator shroud, water pump, ignition wires, fuel tank, and tires.
Now ready for continued touring, this remarkably preserved and unrestored Stutz Model H would be an excellent acquisition for the collector who prizes authenticity and wants to experience the power of a Stutz from behind the wheel.
