1974 Stutz Blackhawk Coupé

• Rare and exclusive American luxury coupé
• 7.5-litre V8 engine, automatic transmission
• Resident in the UK since 1995
• Restored prior to acquisition in 2007

After a hiatus of more than 30 years, the once-famous Stutz name reappeared on an automobile in 1967 following the marque's revival by New York banker James O'Donnell. That first Bearcat model was followed in 1970 by the Pontiac Grand Prix-based Blackhawk, designed by retired Chrysler and Studebaker stylist Virgil Exner, with bodies built in Italy by Carrozzeria Padane and from 1972 by Carrozzeria Saturn (Carrozzeria Ghia had built the prototype). A modified Pontiac 6.5-litre V8 provided the power initially, while transmission options were a GM Turbo-Hydramatic auto or a three-speed manual gearbox. Only Blackhawk coupés were produced at first, followed by convertibles and sedans. T
In 1972 the already stupendous power output was raised to 431bhp when Pontiac's 455ci (7.5-litre V8) was adopted. List price then was $24,500, more than three times that of a Cadillac Eldorado. Ford and other GM engines were used during production, which progressed through seven generations before ending in 1987, by which time an estimated 500-600 Blackhawks had been made. At the finish the D'Italia convertible version cost $129,500 and was advertised as 'the most expensive car sold today'.
With its breathtaking styling and extraordinarily lush interior, the Blackhawk attracted celebrity customers in droves. Famous owners included Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Evel Knievel, Robert Goulet, Wilson Pickett, Johnny Cash, Curt Jurgens, Larry Holmes, Jerry Lewis, Liberace, Willie Nelson, Issac Hayes, Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Tom Jones, Billy Joel, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Al Pacino, Barry White and Elvis Presley, who reputedly owned four. The Shah of Iran is believed to have owned 12!
This left-hand drive example was imported into the UK on 19th June 1995 by a C Roberts of London, as evidenced by the C&E Form 386 on file. Previously resident in Lebanon (from 1983), the Stutz appears to have been a part-finished restoration project at the time of its acquisition by the Bishop Collection from Castleford American Autos in 2007 (see letter on file). The car had previously belonged to Kevin and Dawn Harty. It is not known when or by whom the restoration was completed. Additional documentation includes assorted correspondence; sundry bills; an expired MoT (2020); a V5C Registration Certificate; and a copy of the car's Blackhawk Registry entry. Re-commissioning will be required before the car returns to the road. Sold strictly as viewed.