That wonderful old Stutz
“The first turn of the key!”
Hi Paul,
The Dec. 16 column evoked a memory recall. In the summer of 1961, Bob Janes and I were sent to Seldom-come-by to do a topographic survey of the lighthouse site there. We boarded in the community with a Mr. Rowe, his wife and daughter. I recall that he had a Stutz car stored in his garage. It intrigued me as I had never heard of a Stutz car before, and neither did anybody I talked to at the time. At some point I must have talked to an interested person because shortly afterwards I think it was a Mr. Penny of Penny Motors fame who went there and purchased the vehicle. I was told he carried it away on a flatbed, charged the battery, added fresh gas, and the motor started on the first turn of the key. That much is hearsay, but the car was real. In 1961 it would be a minimum of 26 and a maximum of 50 years old. I wonder what became of it and where it is now?
Eric Jerrett Bay Roberts Again this weekend the spotlight is on the renowned Stutz. We have learned over the past couple of columns that the Stutz was sold here, locally, by Colonial Garage. Here are a couple of emails expressing an interest in the handsome auto from some 75 or so years ago:
Hi Paul; I am always interested in reading your stories on cars. Was delighted to see the STUZ this weekend (December 16th.)
My Grandfather H.J. Wyatt had one. So it was the first car in my life. What a beauty! Our Dad took our family on two camping trips in the Stutz. One we drove to Whitbourne The other down to La Manche. That would have been in the mid 30's.
I can also remember seeing His Grace the Archbishop being driven out to the summer residence in a Stutz on Topsail Road just past the Road de Luxe. That was “country” then! Always enjoy your page in the Telegram. Regards Catherine Tooton
They’d like to acquire a Stutz
Hi Paul,
My name is Stephen Squires, my family owns Colonial Garage (Gordon Elton was my greatgrandfather).
I saw the article showing that Colonial Garage once sold the Stutz (in the car column) and I am hoping I can get in touch with the guy who wrote it, Jack O'keefe.
For our upcoming 100 year anniversary in 2026 we're looking to buy a car that the garage used to sell , but we don't have a lot of information dating back that far. We're hoping that Jack might be able to help us out in that regard or maybe let us know where he got his information.
Your email was the one at the bottom of the page so I figured you might know how to contact him.
Thanks for your help, Stephen Squires
Stephen, it should be an interesting anniversary you’re planning. Jack O’keefe will see your letter as he is a regular contributor to this column.