Stutz Blackhawk classic cars for sale

History of the Stutz Blackhawk

In 1971, Stutz Motor Car of America revived the Blackhawk name, introducing a luxurious grand tourer that shared nothing but heritage connections with its namesake from the late 1920s. Developed as a 'revival car,' the Blackhawk drew from the prestige of the original Stutz brand, which ceased production in 1936. The focus was on limited production and handcrafted automotive opulence, aimed at capturing the imaginations—and wallets—of an elite clientele. Production took place in Italy, first at Carrozzeria Padane and then at Carrozzeria Saturn, with each car requiring around 1,500 man-hours and up to 22 coats of paint. By the time production ended in 1987, only about 500 to 600 units had been produced, cementing its status as an exclusive rarity among classic luxury coupes.

Model History

The Stutz Blackhawk went through seven generations between 1971 and 1987. Initial offerings were exclusively two-door coupes, but the product line expanded in the late 1970s and early 1980s to include sedans (IV-Porte, then Victoria) and even rare convertibles (D'Italia and Bearcat). Engine options were plentiful during the first five generations, with up to six V8 powerplants from American manufacturers like Cadillac, Ford, Chevrolet, and Pontiac. These engines were gradually reduced to three by 1980. With each iteration, mechanical details and trim were upgraded to keep pace with buyers’ expectations.

Distinctive Features and Popularity

Each Stutz Blackhawk distills flamboyant design and exclusivity. Every car was built to order, with extravagantly thick steel bodywork, extensive 24-karat gold trim, burled walnut and redwood interior inlays. Italian craftsmanship paired with American engineering resulted in a luxury coupe that weighed nearly 2.3 tonnes. The Blackhawk also featured high-end equipment such as automatic climate control, central locking, a limited-slip differential, an electric sunroof, 8-track quadrophonic audio, and more. The combination of opulence, limited production, and celebrity ownership has made the Blackhawk a talking point among enthusiasts.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Apart from the core coupe, several derivatives exist: the open-top Bearcat and D'Italia convertibles, the four-door IV-Porte (produced 1979–1981), and the later Victoria sedan. These variants are rarer than the coupés and attract extra attention due to their even more limited numbers and unique configurations.

Engine, Performance, Transmission and Handling

The Blackhawk was always powered by large-displacement V8 engines, with initial years offering potent Cadillac 500 V8s exceeding 400 bhp, later replaced by slightly less powerful units as emissions and efficiency became more relevant. Buyers could choose among multiple big block engines early on, delivering strong performance but at the cost of prodigious fuel consumption—over 30 L/100 km in some configurations. The rear-wheel-drive layout and substantial mass confer a stately ride, prioritising comfort and road presence rather than agile dynamics. Automatic gearboxes and power steering ensured effortless cruising, while added features like limited-slip differential and power brakes contributed to safe, smooth operation. Notable are earliest Blackhawks with the 500 cu in Cadillac V8 for their headline power figures and connection to well-known purchasers such as Elvis Presley; later sedans and convertibles like the Bearcat and D'Italia are exceedingly rare, representing unique collector opportunities.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Stylistically, the Blackhawk references 1930s luxury cars but executed in 1970s and 1980s opulence. Italian coachbuilders gave the Stutz its distinctive, angular profile, protruding trunk, and polished brightwork. Inside, decorators combined materials such as burled walnut, sequoia, and 24 karat gold with top-grade leather upholstery. Standard features, rare even among luxury cars of the time, included an electric sunroof, quadrophonic 8-track system, power locks, cruise control, and even gold-plated accents. Each interior was crafted individually, matching the taste of the original owner. Externally, the thick, multi-layered paintwork—applied in up to 22 coats—was both a technical achievement and a visual signature.

Summary

The Stutz Blackhawk’s appeal lies in its Italian-American synthesis, rare production, attention to detail, and the extravagance of its design and specification. Standing apart from typical American classics, it is the most visible and recognisable Stutz in the collector car market, evidenced by its 100% share of listings and buyer interest in present-day platforms. For those desiring automotive exclusivity and craftsmanship rooted in both sides of the Atlantic, the Blackhawk remains without rival.