1971 Stutz Blackhawk Duplex Sedan (Padane coachwork on Cadillac chassis)
- Engine
- 6.6L V8 (Pontiac 400 cu in), tuned by Stutz, paired with GM Turbo-Hydramatic automatic
- Colour
- Black (originally maroon, later repainted white, then black)
One of only two Stutz Duplex sedans believed to have been produced, and likely the sole example bodied by Carrozzeria Padane of Modena, this coachbuilt Italian-American hybrid was conceived by designer Virgil Exner and financier James O'Donnell as an ultra-exclusive extension of the Blackhawk programme. Built on a Cadillac chassis with a stretched four-door body, it is believed to have been first owned by George Norman Jr., a Salt Lake City financier who later became a federal fugitive. Seized by authorities, the car subsequently passed to Florida, was repainted white, and later restored to black with correct Kelsey-Hayes alloy wheels.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate €135,000 – €150,000
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownGeorge Norman Jr.partial documentation
Salt Lake City millionaire investor who later became a federal fugitive evading tax-related charges for roughly two decades; authorities seized multiple vehicles from him including what is believed to be this car.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownFlorida-based ownerpartial documentation
During this period the car was repainted white and fitted with wire wheels, altering its appearance from the original specification.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCurrent consignorpartial documentation
Had the car restored and refinished in black, with the original-style Kelsey-Hayes cast-alloy wheels reinstated.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Modification
During ownership in Florida, the car was repainted white and wire wheels were substituted for the original Kelsey-Hayes alloy wheels.
- —Restoration
The car was comprehensively restored, refinished in black, and reunited with the correct Stutz-specification Kelsey-Hayes cast-alloy wheels. The resulting finish is described as crisp and executed to a high standard.
Commissioned by the current consignor; the blue leather interior also presents well, suggesting it was addressed as part of this work.
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