Stutz – An Indianapolis automotive gem.

Hidden on Senate and 11th street near the heart of downtown Indy, is a building called Stutz Business Center. Inside it is an absolute gem for any racing fan, or car nut in general. But just like most precious gems — you have to look closely in order to find it.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was kind enough to invite Missi and I to the Stutz’s very own race shop, and witness local commercial developer Turner Woodward’s vintage race team tune a couple of his own racing machines. But not just any machines — gorgeous, and quite dramatic vintage race cars. Take a look inside the cockpit of one of these speed demons, and it’ll make a current Indycar look like a luxury car — that’s how retro and bare bones these vintage racers are.

The Stutz building was built in 1910, and headquartered the Stutz Motorcar Company from 1911 to 1919. The highlight of the Stutz Motorcar Company was having the once in a lifetime (literally) opportunity, to race their very own Stutz Bearcat in the first-ever Indianapolis 500 mile race. Talk about a racing pedigree.

Unfortunately, the engineering boom that took place in the midwest at the turn of the century didn’t play any favorites, and not too long after inception, the Stutz Motorcar Company halted production and closed its doors.

(L) Stutz Bearcat at the 1910 Indy500. (R) Stutz Motorcars Catalogue. (Photos: theStutz.com)

Thankfully, you can witness the finest vintage race cars in action at the Brickyard Vintage Race Invitational. This premiere racing event will be held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on June 11 through 14.

Wether you live in Indy, or happen to be a car fanatic visiting town, make your way to the Stutz Business center. The general public can walk right into their common grounds, where you’ll be greeted by original Stutz cars, and just about any other cool machinery that happens to be around that day. You won’t be disappointed — trust me!

 

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