The Car That Made Good In One Day
Mar 15, 2008
It was a remarkable production feat. The racer finished in 11th place. The purpose of entering the car on such short notice was to prove to the motoring public the reliability and durability of its gearbox/rear axle unit. It proved successful, thereby earning the slogan, “The car that made good in one day. “
This was the work of founder Harry Clayton Stutz, who built his first horseless carriage in 1898. In 1906, the Marion Motor Co. of Indiana hired Stutz as its chief engineer.
The Stutz Bearcat was introduced in 1912, and it captured America’s attention for a decade. The Stutz racing team became known as the “White Squadron.” The Bearcat was powered by a 16-valve, 4851 cc Wisconsin engine.
It was a true sports car: a powerful engine, efficient transmission and not much anything else. Creature comforts were not foremost. Speed was. Wright said, “Its clutch was so stiff that it was rumored the purpose was to prevent women from driving the ‘man’s car’.”
