Do you yearn for 'something different' for your next project??
1932 Stutz DV32 Custom Roadster
https://hagerty-media-prod.imgix.net...hp-3.3.0&w=640Bonhams
Bonhams’ presale estimate: $150,000–$200,000
Well, this certainly meets the criteria for “oddball.” This strange, swoopy roadster is a custom build overseen by enthusiast Elwood Needy around 1949 after he was inspired by the debut of the then-new Jaguar XK120. Needy purchased a 1932 Stutz as the donor car, shortening the chassis to match the legendary Super Bearcat.
While the idea was to channel as much of the Jag’s aesthetics as possible, a 1949 Cadillac Series 61 formed the backbone of the roadster’s coachwork. With the assistance of an aircraft craftsman, full wooden bucks were built for the stunning rear sections of the body, an elegance contrasted by the 1951 Studebaker rhinoplasty up front.
Needy tragically passed in 1952, leaving the car unfinished. His son took up the mantle and had the car running and mostly completed soon after, only selling the car in 1963 to another enthusiast, who retained and enjoyed the car until around a decade ago, when the seller purchased the custom Stutz.
Now, Bonhams offers this as a complete project car, carrying the auspicious invite to a special class at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours—provided the car is finished in time, of course.
