This is truly a special car, seen at one of our favorite events to attend, the 2022 annual @hersheys @rmsothebys auction and @antiqueautomobileclubofamerica fall meet. This is the 1918 Stutz Bearcat "Cannonball Baker" Recreation (S1408), a model that was built and designed to replicate the stock Stutz Bearcat that was driven by American motorcycle and automobile racing driver, Erwin "Cannon Ball" Baker from California to New York with a Colt .45 strapped to the steering column in just 11 days, 7 hours and 15 minutes. This effectively beat the previous world record, and eventually inspired the Cannonball Run race and film spin-offs that we all know and love. In order to replicate this very special car, this car shown here, which started it’s life originally a as a 1918 Stutz Bulldog S seven-seat tourer, was sent in 2007 to Stutz expert Paul Freehill in Fort Wayne, Indiana in order to restore and rebuild the car to closely match Baker’s world record setting Bearcat. This particular example is equipped with the Stutz-designed 360-cubic-inch (5.90L) 16-valve four-cylinder engine, and was reconfigured to be a left-hand drive, making it much safer to drive on most of the world’s roads. The chassis of the Stutz Bulldog S seven-seat tourer was shortened to be a 120-inch wheelbase, and a number of modern mechanical components were included on this build as well. The interior was built to be just as special as the exterior, where you’ll find button-quilted leather upholstery, aluminum floorboards, a dashboard dressed in American black walnut, and much more. Following Mr. Freehill’s unfortunate passing in 2011, the remaining work on this car was taken on by LaVine Restorations of Nappanee, Indiana, where a few other convenience, comfort and safety features were added on.
How many made? One-of-a-kind
Engine: 360-cubic-inch (5.90L) 16-valve four-cylinder
Debut: n/a
Top Speed: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Photo Credit: @am_media_ny
Research: @rarecarsonly