1927 Stearns-Knight Model G-8-85 Cabriolet

This CCCA Full Classic, fully restored, award winning 1927 Stearns-Knight G-8-85 Cabriolet is believed to be the only surviving example of this chassis, engine, and body combination in existence, and was formerly part of the legendary Harrah’s Automobile Collection in Reno, Nevada. The F.B. Stearns Company of Cleveland, Ohio, manufactured its first automobile in 1898. In 1911, Stearns acquired the first American patent for the sleeve-valve engine invented by Charles Knight, and all Stearns-Knight automobiles henceforth used engines of that design. Stearns produced the engine in both four and six cylinders prior to 1927, when the G-8 inline-eight cylinder was added as the top of the line. Stearns-Knight automobiles competed directly with Packard and Cadillac at the highest end of the American market.

The automobile offered here was reportedly first sold in Boise, Idaho. After passing through several owners, it became part of the Harrah Collection and was sold to an English buyer during Harrah’s 1978 auction. Noted collectors Patterson and Anne Barnes (the granddaughter of Frank B. Stearns) returned the car to the U.S. in 1994 and commissioned a long-term professional frame-off restoration. The Stearns-Knight was rewarded with multiple National Awards beginning in 2007, and became part of the seller’s collection in 2009, where it has continued to be maintained and presented to the same high standard. In describing the car and restoration the seller identifies that: “Everything is as original as humanly possible.”