1928 Stearns-Knight J-8-90 Seven-Passenger Touring

J11926roadUnited States

Engine: 6.3L (385 cu. in.) sleeve-valve eight-cylinder, 112 hp

A 1928–29 F.B. Stearns J-8-90, one of only 11 known survivors from a total production run of 388 units, powered by a sleeve-valve Knight engine producing 112 hp from 385 cubic inches. Originally bodied as a sedan, the deteriorated coachwork was replaced during a meticulous restoration with an accurate seven-passenger touring body recreated from factory drawings — a style of which no original examples survive. The completed car earned an AACA National Award nomination and has been exhibited at the AACA Museum in Hershey.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Sold US$132,000
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
Date unknown
Southern California owner
partial documentation
Car was based in Southern California for an extended period; condition deteriorated significantly during this time.
Date unknown
Richard Hamilton
partial documentation
Knight engine enthusiast who held the car as part of a chain of specialist owners.
Date unknown
Ken Lane
partial documentation
Another Knight enthusiast in the ownership chain prior to the major restoration.
Date unknown
Peter Woyen and Mark Young
partial documentation
Acquired the vehicle in significantly deteriorated condition; original sedan bodywork was deemed unrestorable, prompting the decision to rebuild as a seven-passenger touring car.
Date unknownPrivate sale
Al Giddings
partial documentation
Noted cinematographer and engineer who completed the full restoration, personally rebuilding the engine and transmission while commissioning body and chassis work from specialist craftsmen.

Competition

—Antique Automobile Club of America National Show
AACA National Award
Nominated for National Award
Car received multiple show prizes across the country and was exhibited at the AACA Museum in Hershey.

Maintenance & restoration

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Restoration
Comprehensive restoration undertaken after the original sedan bodywork was found beyond recovery. A seven-passenger touring body was built new to factory drawings, retaining original sheet metal from the beltline downward and incorporating a modified original cowl.
Body and chassis work completed by Patrick Kelso and David DeJon; paintwork by Kevin VanLaarhoven. Guidance and support from Patterson Barnes and Art Aseltine.
—
Engine rebuild
The Knight sleeve-valve engine and transmission were fully rebuilt by the owner, Al Giddings, personally.
Owner possessed engineering expertise; rebuild carried out as part of the broader restoration project.

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