Kurtis other 1950
General description :
331ci Cadillac V8 Engine
Cadillac 3-Speed Manual Transmission
Used In The Movie €œJohnny Dark€ Starring Tony Curtis
Only 16 Ever Built
Beautifully Restored
LMC is very proud to offer for sale this 1950 Kurtis Sports Car
Frank Kurtis needs no introduction to anyone in the American racing world. His Kurtis-Kraft cars dominated American oval racing for decades, winning on everything from local dirt bullrings to Indianapolis. His race cars proved to be highly influential and from 1950 until 1964 as every winner of the Indy 500 was either built by him or at least heavily influenced by his designs. While Kurtis was building his successful Midget, Sprint and Indy car business, he kept his team busy in the off season by building Hollywood movie cars and one-off specials. In 1948, he built a unique sports car based on a wrecked ’41 Buick, and the car caused such a sensation that he decided a production version would be the perfect way to expand his business into a new market. The Kurtis Sport Car was a product of the astonishing explosion of automotive creativity after the economy enduring a grueling war, Americans were ready to celebrate as the booming economy provided jobs and prosperity. All this would have undoubtedly got him thinking: Perhaps there was a market for this new type of sports car — something that combined easy American power with more responsive, European-style road manners and fresh, modern styling.
In 1949 Kurtis began building his iconic Sport Car and formed a partnership with his St. Louis Kurtis-Kraft race car dealer Ed Walsh to create Kurtis Sports Cars, Inc. and set to work designing and developing a sports car that could be put into production. Adding to its already amazing history, the first production model went 142 MPH at Bonneville in-period while also appearing on the cover of the very first Motor Trend magazine around the same time.
This 1950 Kurtis Sport Car offered here is described as the last that was built in Frank Kurtis’ famous Glendale, California race car shop and originally belonged to Indy Car owner Jack Hinkle. The subject of a beautiful concours restoration, the body was taken down to bare aluminum and every panel fitted to better than when it was new. Following the metal work, the body was painted to a concours quality having been wet sanded and polished. The trim has been polished and straightened and bumpers re-chromed. Underneath the frame and suspension have both been powder-coated. Power comes from a 331ci Cadillac V8 and a Cadillac 3-speed gearbox that drives the rear wheels. This particular car was used in the famous movie “Johnny Dark”, a movie released in 1954 that illustrated the sports-car craze then sweeping the country after WWII starring award winning actor Tony Curtis.
Official Kurtis Kraft records indicate that 16 Sport Cars were built prior to “Madman” Muntz taking over and moving production to Illinois under the name Muntz Jet . With such low production, provenance and unique history this 1950 Kurtis Sports Car is great piece of automotive history.
http://www.legendarymotorcar.com/inventory/1950-kurtis-sports-car-1946.aspx
1950 Kurtis other is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Halton Hills by Legendary Motorcar for Not priced.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Kurtis Model : other Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1950 Sub type : Convertible Location : Halton Hills
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About Kurtis
Kurtis Cars refers to a line of custom racing cars and sports cars produced by the American automotive designer Frank Kurtis. Frank Kurtis was known for his skill in designing and building high-performance race cars, and his creations gained popularity in the 1940s and 1950s.Here are some key points about Kurtis Cars:
Custom Racing Cars:
Frank Kurtis initially gained prominence by building midget cars and sprint cars for dirt track racing.
Kurtis Kraft, his company, became well-known for its innovative designs and craftsmanship in the realm of open-wheel racing cars.
Indy 500 Success:
Kurtis cars achieved success at the Indianapolis 500, with several notable victories in the 1950s.
The Kurtis Kraft chassis, often powered by Offenhauser engines, was a common sight on the Indy 500 grid.
Kurtis 500S Sports Car:
One of the most famous Kurtis road cars is the Kurtis 500S, a sports car produced in the early 1950s.
The 500S featured a lightweight tube-frame chassis and a stylish roadster body.
It was available as a kit or fully assembled and was often fitted with various engines, including Cadillac and Oldsmobile V8s.
Collectibility:
Kurtis cars, especially the Kurtis 500S, are considered highly collectible today.
The limited production numbers, historical significance in racing, and unique design elements contribute to their desirability among collectors.
Restored Kurtis cars, particularly those associated with significant racing history or featuring rare specifications, can command high prices at auctions.
Legacy:
Frank Kurtis' influence on the world of American racing and sports cars is enduring, and his designs left a lasting impact on automotive history.
The Kurtis name is synonymous with craftsmanship, innovation, and success in both the racing and road car spheres.
In summary, Kurtis Cars, particularly the Kurtis 500S, are highly collectible due to their historical significance, limited production, and association with racing success.