Stutz Blackhawk: Is it Other Italian or American muscle?

Peter Madle in Switzerland is the expert on Stutz: the internet guide to STUTZ cars history and models
Stutz registry: Stutz Registry

 

Looks like a Buick Riviera to me, not a fan.

I think the Allante was a more successful Italian / American collaboration, surely more so than the ill-fated Maserati TC by Chrysler.

 

What he said!

Never liked that car whatsoever... just a personal thing. Or the TC - that was an outright joke!

Jedi

 

Does being handbuilt in Italy make the design more successful?

The Stutz reboot seemed less Gordon Buehrig and more George Barris. For the grandeur without the retro, they should have hired Syd Mead.

 

Correct, the Allante' was designed solely by PininFarina in Italy with 0 input from the US Design studio.
With the utmost respect, but in my very humble opinion, I thought the Stutz recreation was an abomination . Sorry, I have no other word for it.
That whole pimpmobile thing in the '70's & '80's lasted way too long, but like Disco, finally faded away


I had the misfortune of having been assigned to do a Dual Cowl Phaeton thing as a PPG PaceCar 30 yrs ago. And I wasn't very happy about the assignment.
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And in my opinion a wonderful design, much nicer than the somewhat similar Reatta (although I did like that too).

The Allante still holds a place in my heart of cars I'd like to have.

 

That's cool.
I saw one the other day with the NorthStar motor. Very pristine condition.
I can't begin to tell you how much heartburn that project gave us back in the USA.
It was fun dealing with the Pininfarina guys though.

 

I don't know which one came first but this is what always comes to mind when I see a Stutz Blackhawk.
.
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bada$$

 

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cmo6MRYf5g[/ame]

 

Yes indeed!

 

The Original Stutz follows in the tradition of limited production vehicles aimed at the wealthiest of individuals featuring an Italian built custom body on American Chassis.

Examples include the following:

Hudson Italia 26 units
Dual Ghia 104 units
Ghia 6.4L 26 units

The 1971 STUTZ First series Split windshield model - 24 units ( +2 prototypes)

FACTS

1. Only 26 were produced of the 2 seater Split windshield model
2. Elvis purchased the first car sold to the public
3. Most expensive car in 1971 - around $26500 USD
4. Only 14 known to survive
5. Genuine 2 seater + rear luggage area converts to occasional rear seats
6. Genuine Mink fur carpeting
7. Hand Stitched leather interior
8. 17 inch Magnesium Wheels ( remember this is 1971 and 17 wheels were unheard of at the time, for passenger cars)
6. Original owners included the most famous of Hollywood celebrities
7. The coachwork work was hand built in Modena Italy by Carozzeria Padane, a subsidiary of GHIA
8. The bodies were constructed along side the Maserati Indy .
9. Shares instruments, door handles and other trim items with contemporary Maserati Indy.


This first series model in a 2 seater coupe configuration with "Spilt Windshield" should not be confused with the 1972 and later Stutz cars.

In reality most people have never seen an original split windshield Stutz. It is has a lower waist line, increased distance between the front wheel and cowl with a more sporting flair

The later (1972 on) Stutz cars can be distinguished from the rare & spectacular 1971 model because their proportions were altered to allow for 4 regular seats, standard non split windshield, a full length rear bumper in compliance with government regulations applicable from 1972 on.

The 1971 model represents the original design intended by its designer, Virgil Exner and is unique with extremely limited production of only 26 units ( includes 2 prototypes) like the Ghia 6.4L.

The later cars were compromised to save on costs with complete disregard to the original design. They have a similar front end design but the proportions are all wrong

It should be noted Exner was responsible for the styling of the Dual Ghia and Ghia 6.4L

Check on the current market values of the Ghia 6.4L

The list of owners for the Ghia 6.4L mirrors the original owners of the "original" 1971 split windshield Stutz

It is undoubtedly a special car for anyone that smokes oversize Cuban cigars , loves to wear ostentatious jewellery and is often seen in the company of a show girl ... Oh! ...I almost forgot to mention - the full length genuine mink coat, crocodile skin shoes and a belt made from exotic "Amazon" snake leather with a diamond studded buckle .
Ha! .......That's living......... Man!!

Does anyone know of a 1971 Stutz for sale?

Please send me a PM.

 

Now I understand why Elvis had one.

 

Was there ever any question.....?