Find Lots

• Auction House:
  Mossgreen
• Sale Name:
  The Collection of the Late Clem Smith OAM
• Sale Date:
  20 Aug 2017 ~ 2.30pm
• Lot #:
  27
• Lot Description:
  1927 STEARNS-KNIGHT G8 SERIES SEDAN
  One of only two known to exist. Chassis No: G309. Engine No: G309. Body No: 60649
• Notes:
  Frank Ballou Stearns was the founder and guiding genius of the Stearns-Knight Company. He completed his first car in 1896 at just 17 years of age and just 2-years later, F.B. Stearns was formed in Cleveland Ohio. Stearns Cars were some of the biggest American built cars of the day and were victorious in competitive trials such as hill climbs and endurance records. In fact, a 1907 Stearns was the first car to climb the infamous Pikes Peak albeit with the extraordinary addition of 7 passengers on board! In 1911, the Stearns became the first manufacturer to adopt the Knight patented sleeve-valve engine. And from that year on the cars were known as the Stearns-Knights. This Knight patent protected a valve system that had 2 sleeves surrounding each piston. The sleeves slid up and down, moved by their own petite crankshaft which exposed the inlet and exhaust ports resulting in a quieter system than the conventional poppet valves and reduced the need for frequent re-surfacing. The Stearns-Knights of the 1920s were regarded as amongst the highest quality of the day and rivalled the vanguards of the industry: Packard, Lincoln and Piece Arrow, Cadillac and Stutz, Duesenberg and Auburn to name a few of the great pre-Depression car makers renowned for quality, luxury and power. But, Stearns-Knights were never built in high numbers and the company was not profitable. It evaded insolvency until 1927, when the F.B Stearns Company was bought by Willys-Overland. John Willys kept his assurances not to change the character of the cars and the magnificent straight-8 sleeve-valve engine offered in the 1927 cars was the pinnacle of Stearns-Knight engineering. The last Stearns-Knight was assembled in 1929. This rare example of the 1927 G8 is believed to be one of only two “G” sedans known to exist. Clem Smith acquired this rare car from Giltrap’s Museum when it took the fancy of Clem’s wife, Heidi. The other “G” model is purportedly under restoration in the Carolinas. Information provided by a Stearns-Knight Club member in the US who has been involved in aspects of this car over time tells us that the crankcase is from a “H” series car. It is believed the original crankcase was damaged. The radiator has also been replaced. The radiator mascot is not Stearns but rather a Willys-Knight item from 1928-29. All post 1925 Stearns-Knights are recognized as True Classic by the Classic Car Club of America. This most discerning purchase is an extraordinary addition to the collection, especially given its extreme rarity. This vehicle will be sold unregistered.
• Estimate:
  A$100,000 - 140,000
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

  Can't see the realised price? Upgrade your subscription now!

• Category:
  Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.