1953 Kurtis Kraft 500S at the Monterey Sports and Classic Car Auction

Monterey Sports and Classic Car Auction
1903-1933
1934-1937
1938-1950
1951-1953
1954-1956
1957-1958
1959-1963
1964-1965
1966-1967
1968-1970
1971-1991
1992-2007

1951-1953 Vehicles

1950 Ferrari 195 Inter

1951 Hudson Hornet Series 7A

1951 Jaguar XK120

1952 Ferrari 212 Inter

1952 Mercedes-Benz 220

1953 Allard JR

1953 Buick Series 50

1953 Chevrolet Bel Air Series 2400C

1953 Kurtis Kraft 500S

1953 MG TD

1953 Nash Healey Pininfarina

Information on the 1953 Kurtis Kraft 500S

More photographs of the 1953 Kurtis Kraft 500S

This 1953 Kurtis 500S Racing Sports Car was brought to the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $100,000-$125,000. Under the bonnet is a Chrysler Hemi eight-cylinder with four-single BBL carburetors, aluminum intake manifolds, Vertex magneto and rated at 240 horsepower. There is a Jaguar XK120 four-speed gearbox and four-wheel drum brakes.

Over a thirty year period, Frank Kurtis of Glendale, California built over 800 oval track cars. Many were successful and enjoyed long and prosperous racing careers. While watching his cars race around a long oval track, it occurred to him that his chassis and suspension concept could translate nicely into road going sports cars. He launched a series of sports cars called the Kurtis 500 S, with around 25 or 30 being produced created. The very early versions featured a hand-formed aluminum body, such as this example. It began its life as an unused Kurtis KK chassis and originally outfitted with the optional Halibrand V8 quick change.

During the close of the 1980s, this car was treated to a reconstruction, using many old, original parts as possible, including the upper and lower nose panels, hood side panels, fuel tank, and Halibrand wheels. When parts were not available, they were replicated using period correct construction techniques. The reconstruction was completed in 1991 and has been in storage since.

At auction this lot found an interested buyer, willing to satisfy the vehicles reserve, and purchased the car for $104,500 including buyer's premium.

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