Modern Stutz to be auctioned in Melbourne
Released in 1971, the Blackhawk was the creation of American James O'Donnell, who revived the marque in 1968, pulling Chrysler's Virgil Exner out of retirement to style the machines with neo-classic touches like free-standing headlights, upright grilles, exposed side pipes, and semi-continental style spare wheels. Ghia of Italy manufactured the bodies, with running gear courtesy of General Motors. Most were based on Pontiacs, and the Shannons-consigned example is no exception, being based on a Pontiac Grand Prix.
While most Blackhawks featured large capacity V8s (this one runs a 455ci bent eight), these machines were more about opulence than performance, featuring power-everything, and trimmed with deep plush carpeting, leather upholstery, timber dash trim and real gold dash fittings.
The Stutz on offer with Shannons is a 1976 model Blackhawk coupe, and like most of the 600-odd examples of these machines built, is a low mileage vehicle and appears to have led a largely pampered existence. Having spent most of its time in Las Vegas before being purchased by the Australian vendor in 2004, the Blackhawk is described as being highly original, with the hand-built Ghia body, finished in dark blue metallic, still in very good condition.
Interior appointments on this car include a fake fur-lined boot and genuine Nardi wood rim steering wheel. An owners' manual and original, full colour brochure from when the car was new will be included with the sale. Offered unregistered, the Stutz is claimed to be one of just a handful in Australia. Shannons have attached a pre-auction estimate of $42,000 - $50,000.
Shannons Melbourne Winter Classic Auction is scheduled for Monday, June 4 at Shannons Melbourne auction rooms, 321 Warrigal Road, Cheltenham.
For details on this and other lots from this upcoming auction, go to www.shannons.com.au