1916 Stutz Series 4C Bearcut

The Stutz Series 4C Bearcat of 1916 was an innovative and powerful car for its time. Powered by a huge 4.9-liter straight-four engine, the car was capable of producing 60 horsepower and could achieve speeds of up to 80 miles per hour. The engine was mounted crosswise in the frame, with a three-speed manual transmission and a cone-type clutch.

The sturdy frame was made of ash and reinforced with steel, which made it as strong as it was lightweight. The car featured a semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension both at the front and rear, which gave it a surprisingly smooth ride even on bumpy roads. The wheelbase was relatively short at only 120 inches, which helped to make the car more maneuverable and agile.

The Stutz 4C Bearcat was designed as an open-top sports car, with a minimalistic bodywork that accentuated its muscular lines. The seating area was rather cramped, with two bucket-style seats that sat very low in the car, giving the driver a real sense of speed.

The Stutz Series 4C Bearcat had few creature comforts, but it was a true driver's car in every sense of the word. The car featured mechanical rear-wheel brakes, which employed a unique "cone and plate" design. This gave the driver excellent stopping power, even at high speeds.

Overall, the Stutz Series 4C Bearcat was a powerful, agile, and innovative car that symbolized the spirit of the roaring twenties. Despite its lack of amenities, it was a favored car of race drivers and motoring enthusiasts, who were drawn to its raw power and undeniable charm.