Stutz Meet 2007
On September, 28th, we started our 2007 Stutz Meet at the parking lot of the Jameson Inn, at South Bend, IN.
from left: Dan Steckler, Ken (Elvis) Bist, Jim Milliken,
Ron Heatley, Branko Kavcic, and Richard Rhoades
After several problems, there weren't to many cars,
but it was great fun,
and we had the unique chance to be part of the "Era
of Exner Event", organised by Virgil
Exner, jr.
Jim Milliken's 1971 Blackhawk was missing at the Stutz Meet, but the car was part of the Exner-Event, and so it was already stored at the Stepan Center, together with the Exner Bugatti, and the Mercer Cobra.
But we had two other 1971 Blackhawks at the Meet...
Ron Heatley brought his unique
Blackhawk Convertible.
Still unrestored, but driveable, and a very interesting
car, we still have to find out more about the conversion...
Another 1971 Blackhawk was brought by Richard Rhoades.
He also brought something special, a world-première:
A Stutz
Bearcat II, modified by Les Dunham, or "The Bearcallista"!
And there was another Stutz, owned by Jim Milliken, but driven by me:
the 1981 Blackhawk, the only Stutz, that was shown at every Stutz Meet.
The highlight of the 2007 Stutz Meet was Daniel Steckler,
who was Technical Advisor for
the Stutz Motor Company of North America.
He shared a lot of stories, and photos with us (some
pictures will be added soon to the homepage),
and helped with parts to bring back the Rhoades'
Bearcat on the road,
and of course had some advice for the attendant Stutz-owners.
In addition to him, some more Stutz-fans attended the
Meet.
Ken Bist came without his Blackhawk,
which is currently under construction,
Fred Kendall was there, and as a surprise Branko Kavcic,
owner of the first prototype
showed up.
On Saturday, Patrick Martin arrived with his Packard hearse, which is now the only car, next to the 1981 Blackhawk, that attended every Stutz Meet, and that without being a Stutz...
Of course, we hadn't enough time to take more pics, or to talk, but we enjoyed the Meet, the cars, and the people.
