Bonhams is very pleased to announce the sale of the largest collection of Stutz motorcars and spares to be offered in more than a decade. The renowned Don and Lynette Short Collection of important brass-era automobiles will be auctioned at the Port Townsend Aero Museum near Seattle, Washington, on May 21st. Highlights from this incredible and uncommon offering include the following:The ex-William Harrah 1920 Stutz Bearcat. The premier sportscar of its era, desirable since the day it was made, this is an extremely rare car and one of only a few survivors. With a large 16-valve, 4-cylinder motor that produces […]
Bonhams is very pleased to announce the sale of the largest collection of Stutz motorcars and spares to be offered in more than a decade. The renowned Don and Lynette Short Collection of important brass-era automobiles will be auctioned at the Port Townsend Aero Museum near Seattle, Washington, on May 21st.
Highlights from this incredible and uncommon offering include the following:
The ex-William Harrah 1920 Stutz Bearcat. The premier sportscar of its era, desirable since the day it was made, this is an extremely rare car and one of only a few survivors. With a large 16-valve, 4-cylinder motor that produces nearly 90hp, it was capable of speeds close to 90mph in stock condition. This example is particularly rare as it was one of just a few built with a passenger door.
1919 Pierce Arrow Series 31 Four-Passenger Roadster. Considered the highest quality car of its day, this highly original example features one of Pierce’s most unusual bodies in all cast aluminum mounted on the very sporty dual-valve, 6-cylinder “Series 31” chassis.
1929 Stutz Blackhawk Roadster. Another very rare model, this Stutz off-shoot brand was in production for only two years but its excellent performance lead to the chassis being campaigned at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This attractive example is one of the most advanced and European-like American cars of the era. With an overhead-cam engine, 4-speed transmission, 4-wheel hydraulic brakes with finned drums, and a low-slung chassis, these cars were built to perform.
1905 Locomobile Type E Tourer. Another car once belonging to the famed William Harrah Auto Collection, this is a great example of a highly refined, beautifully restored early American automobile. With its chain drive, it is a very sought-after touring model due to its excellent performance. And as one of the best quality American cars ever built, Locomobile is a very important make in the history of American motoring.
In addition to these and many other cars, seven Stutz engines of various time periods will be offered, including a Greuter/Excelsior engine that would serve as the prototype for the 8-cylinder Stutz. This unique engine is believed to be the only one in complete condition in existence and, therefore, is an important piece of Stutz and American history.
Furthermore, the Short sale will include the finest collection of early car parts and automobilia – most without reserve –to be sold publicly in years. Dozens of sets of matched brass lamps, over 250 lots of rare original Stutz parts, and some of the most highly sought after lights and instruments in existence, including two sets of Solarclypse headlamps and an ultra-rare Stewart “coke bottle” tachometer, believed to be the first ever offered at auction, will be available.Says Bonhams Motoring Specialist Evan Ide, “These rare cars are incredible examples of American ingenuity and engineering. Their quality and reputation have stood the test of time and it’s a privilege for Bonhams to represent this kind of history at auction.”
Auction Schedule
Location: The Port Townsend Aero Museum at the Jefferson County Airport
Port Townsend, Washington (Seattle area)
Preview: Thursday, May 19th, 10:00am-6:00pm
Friday, May 20th, 10:00am-6:00pm
Sale: Saturday, May 21st
• Automobilia (mostly without reserve): 10:00am
• Motorcars: 1:00pm
