Lapsed Lacquer: 1974 Stutz Blackhawk – SOLD!

April 17, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the seller of this rare Stutz “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

One of GuysWithRides’ brand taglines is “A Story Under Every Hood.” That expression could not be any truer for the revived ultra-luxury Stutz Blackhawk produced during much of the Malaise Era.  The original owners of the several hundred bespoke examples produced are a literal who’s who of the entertainment industry. Elvis purchased the very first one produced as well as three more. Unfortunately, the current caretaker of this 1974 Stutz Blackhawk originally listed in April 2022 on Craigslist in Greenwich Village, New York does not provide details nor a picture of the dash plaque to hint at who the original owner was. The seller does report that this 28K original mile example features all of its 14-karat gold plating and mink-lined details.

Currently offered for $47,000, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their Blackhawk priced between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $27,500and its #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $52,500.

If you’re not familiar with them, the Stutz Blackhawk is an American ultra-luxury car manufactured from 1971 through 1987. New York Banker James O’Donnell partnered with retired Chrysler stylist Virgil Exner to revive the famed 1920s Stutz Motor Company in August 1968. Exner immediately went to work designing a custom personal luxury car that included a spare tire that protruded through the trunk lid, a massive ‘kidney’ grille, and freestanding headlamps.  To offer exclusivity and still allow easy servicing in the U.S. a custom-built Italian body was added to a General Motors platform and engine. The Blackhawk debuted in January 1970 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Prices ranged from US$22,500 to US$75,000 at a time when the standard Pontiac Grand Prixs on which they were based cost about $5,000 new.  All early Blackhawks were coupes, but rare sedans were produced later. Convertible versions were called D’Italia and Bearcat. Stutz Blackhawks became the car of choice among elite entertainers of the day.  By 1976 Stutz had sold 205 Blackhawks and about six a month were handbuilt in Italy and shipped to the U.S. By April 1980 350 Blackhawks had been sold and by the time production ended in 1987 approximately 500 to 600 cars had been manufactured.

With an extra heavy gauge steel body handmade at Carrozzeria Padane in Modena, Italy, and from 1972 at Carrozzeria Saturn in Cavallermaggiore, near Torino, Italy, and greater than 19 feet long, production Blackhawks used Pontiac Grand Prix running gear, Pontiac’s 455 cubic inch V8 engine, and a GM TH400 three-speed automatic transmission.  With its engine tuned to produce 425 horsepower and 420 foot-pounds of torque, a 5000 pound Blackhawk accelerated to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds when new while delivering eight miles per gallon. The handbuilt Blackhawk has 18 to 22 hand-rubbed lacquer paint coats that took six weeks to apply. The total production time for each vehicle was over 1500 man-hours.

The host of the TV Show Counting Cars, Danny Koker, A.K.A, The Count, takes you through the history of Stutz as well as the provenance of his personal 1974 Blackhawk in this video posted on the Kount’s Kustom Network YouTube Channel:

Unfortunately, despite its 28K original miles, the corroded and mottled hood and trunk hand-applied lacquer hint that this 1974 Stutz Blackhawk spent a fair amount of time stowed in less than ideal conditions. This car deserves high-quality detailing and upholstery repair to ensure its rarity and exclusivity remain intact.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Selling my 1974 STUTZ BLACKHAWK 28,000 miles. All original. This car is located in western Pennsylvania at a private collectors garage. All original, 14 karat gold interior, mink lined interior, less than 500 of these were ever produced. Elvis Presley was the very first person to receive one. cashiers check only no trades. Delivery is available for an extra fee.”

Show or go: What would you do with this 1974 Stutz Blackhawk for Sale?  Please comment below and let us know!