1927 Stutz Vertical Eight Model AA

The 1927 Stutz AA Vertical Eight is an engineering marvel from the Jazz Age, a machine that boldly merged high-performance racing DNA with world-class luxury and safety innovations. Positioned as one of America's premier luxury-performance automobiles, the Stutz AA built upon the legendary legacy of the Bearcat with groundbreaking advancements. Central to its design was the "Safety Stutz" chassis, which employed a revolutionary double-drop frame and a low-slung underslung worm drive rear axle. This design achieved an exceptionally low center of gravity, granting the car superior stability and handling that allowed it to outclass nearly all its high-riding contemporaries on the road.

At the heart of this iconic machine is the namesake Vertical Eight engine: a 298.6 cubic inch, single overhead camshaft (SOHC) inline-eight. This powerplant was decades ahead of its time for an American manufacturer, featuring dual ignition (twin spark plugs per cylinder) and a cross-flow cylinder head—sophisticated technology typically found only in top European racing cars. Delivering an estimated 95 to 110 horsepower, the Vertical Eight provided not only smooth, quiet operation but also blistering speed. This combination of advanced engineering and power earned Stutz significant victories, including capturing the AAA Stock Car Championship and nearly winning the 1928 24 Hours of Le Mans, proving its "Extra Lively" performance edge.

This specific Stutz AA, finished in a stunning dark blue stately four-door sedan configuration, embodies the opulent spirit of the Roaring Twenties. Beyond its performance, the Stutz was a pioneer in driver safety, notably featuring four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes and laminated safety glass, innovations years ahead of the industry curve. Rarely seen and highly sought after by collectors, this magnificent automobile is a tangible piece of automotive history that offers an unparalleled motoring experience.