Sue and David Pater have been club members since 1981. 
So dedicated in fact, that their son Harley was born on a club 
meeting night along with another member who also had their son 
on the same night! (In hospital not at the clubrooms).

They own a 1928 BB straight 8 Stutz. Originally they rallied 
with a 1924 Buick, but being the last of the 4 cylinder models 
found the power, or lack of power, a major deterrent in long 
distant rallying. David also owned a 1928 Indian outfit, which 
had to be sold to purchase the chassis and bones of the Stutz.

It was decided that the bicentennial rally to Canberra would be 
the date to aim to have the Stutz restored by. The easiest part 
was the entry. First they discovered the Stutz was a much rarer 
breed than they imagined and found not only parts but also 
suitable original drawings few and hard to find. After a nearly 
a year, the Stutz was purchased in 1984, they finally had enough 
information to build a body. David wanted a roadster, but with 
three kids a phaeton was more practical.

After the woodwork and skinning was done as near to the original 
as possible, it seemed they were nearly there but it had barely 
started! Next came the engine which though in good nick had to be 
rebored where all the white metal had been poured where it 
shouldn't have been. The original parts were not all the correct 
year. It is amazing how quickly one finds things out when you 
begin researching.

Of course, then came the wiring, the fitting of the engine, the 
nickel (not chrome because this was not original to 1928), the 
upholstery, leather of course, just the skins costs a fortune. 
Then came the painting. The colour was researched to as near as 
possible to the original, though no Stutz was ever painted the 
same colour. (i.e all were custom painted). Electric Blue's 
that's what they call the Stutz) was off an original catalogue 
sourced from USA. In 1928 fish scales were used but the Paters 
used a modem metallic paint as close to the colour as possible. 

It took a lot more time and effort which if thought of prior to 
starting would have put them off but they still had their entry 
in the Canberra 1988 rally so with a huge effort especially from 
their friend Wally Nye they made it to the rally. Since then 
they have had many miles of happy rallying. The Stutz has been 
to Canberra twice, to Kangaroo Island, outback to Broken Hill 
and beyond.

As the family grew up, basketball and band practice along with 
all the other commitments from children kept them busy but 
they will try to get back into vintage motoring now all the 
children have finally got their own driving licences.

Sue has found the Stutz a heavy car to handle and has 
recently bought herself a 1925 Nash ute. This is as far 
away from original as you can get. (Nash didn't even make 
a ute). With the fibreglass dog sitting up in the back 
she intends to have fun which is why we join a club such 
as the DVHCC inc.

If you are considering joining a club that caters for 
pre 1942 cars, come and join us and have a good time.