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1953 Kurtis Kraft 500S Roadster

  • Chassis Number: KK500S 029
The Kurtis 500S was designed to comply with the Federation Internationale de L'Automobile (FIA), the international racing organization, rules for sports cars. Approximately 20 cars were produced over a two-year period.

In the early 1990s, the resumption of The Mexican road Race - La Carrera Panamericana - was announced. Race car builder John Ward took notice, realizing that a pre-1954 vintage car was required to compete. Unfortunately, a 1953 500S was virtually impossible as only 14 cars are known to exist. John took it upon himself to reconstruct a series of vehicles conforming to the original design. He was able to locate Frank Kurtis' son, Arlen, who supplied him with sets of original frame side rails plus valuable insight about the original construction of the 500S cars. Body panels were made from factory tooling. Three cars were built.

John Ward won the La Carrera Panamericana, beating 112 other international entrants. This roadster - chassis number 029 - was one of the three cars built by Mr. Ward for the La Carrera. It is the sister car to John's winning entry and is powered by a 400 cubic-inch small block, dry sump Chevrolet engine with Brownfield aluminum cylinder heads and a NASCAR Jericho four-speed transmission. Other equipment includes an engine oil cooler, Joe Hunt magneto, a Quartermaster double-disc clutch, Grand National quick-change rear end, JFZ disc brakes, Lee power steering, Halibrand pin-drive knock-offs, stainless steel exhaust, 32-gallon fuel cell, and an aluminum radiator.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Monterey auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $150,000 - $200,000 and offered without reserve. At the auction, the lot was sold for $104,500, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011

2018 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $110,000-USD $140,000 
Sale Price :
USD $89,600

2011 RM Auctions at Monterey

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $150,000-USD $200,000 
Sale Price :
USD $104,500

1953 Kurtis Kraft 500S Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Kurtis Kraft 500S

(Data based on Model Year 1953 sales)
1953 Kurtis K2 500S Roadster Continuation
Chassis#: KK500S 029
Sold for USD$89,600
  2018 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island
1953 Kurtis Kraft 500S image  1953 Kurtis Kraft 500S image  
1953 Kurtis-Kraft 500S
Chassis#: 500S-022
Sold for USD$203,500
  2011 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auctions
1953 Kurtis Kraft 500S image  1953 Kurtis Kraft 500S image  
1953 Kurtis 500S Roadster Continuation
Chassis#: 029
Sold for USD$104,500
  2011 RM Auctions at Monterey
1953 Kurtis Kraft 500S image  1953 Kurtis Kraft 500S image  
1953 Kurtis Kraft 500S
Sold for USD$104,500
  2007 Monterey Sports and Classic Car Auction
1953 Kurtis Kraft 500S image  1953 Kurtis Kraft 500S image  
1953 Kurtis 500S Roadster
Chassis#: C51853
Sold for USD$148,500
  2004 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction
 

Kurtis Kraft 500Ss That Failed To Sell At Auction

1953 Kurtis Kraft 500S's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1953 Kurtis 500S Roadster 2011 Mecum Auctions Monterey, CA The Daytime Auction$120,000  

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1953 Kurtis Kraft 500S vehicle thumbnail image  1953 Kurtis Kraft 500S vehicle thumbnail image  
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1953 Kurtis Kraft 500S

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