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1953 Muntz Road Jet news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  | Convertible Chassis Num: 53-525 |
The body of the Road Jet was designed by Frank Kurtis and promoted by Mad Man Muntz. This example is a well preserved original with one of the best interior of its kind. It has never been painted or restored and believed to be entirely original.
At auction the car was the last of the day to cross the auction block. Sadly, it did not find a new owner.
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2007
 |  |  | Convertible Chassis Num: DR141664CAL |
| Sold for $68,750 at 2007 RM Auctions. Sold for $66,000 at 2010 RM Auctions. Sold for $75,000 at 2012 Mecum. | |||
This example has a Hydra-Matic transmission, fender skirts, dual spotlights, wide whitewall tires, and a Cadillac 365 CI engine with twin carburetors. It is listed in the Muntz Registry as 52M-505-3 and was purchased new by 1950s actress/movie star Gloria DeHaven. It was delivered new to her in New York City at the Plaza Hotel. In the mid-2000s, the car was refinished to original Indian Ceramic with White interior.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012
Trying to measure up to European car manufacturers, American came up with the Muntz Jet, an American sport car that was both practical and fashionable for the times. The Muntz Jet was a 4-seater convertible in the mold of the 58-61 T-bird.
The original design came from Frank Kurtis before Earl Muntz bought the design and redesigned and re-engineered it. Earl ‘The Mad Man' Muntz was considered to be a entrepreneur. With a background in radio during the early 40's, he made his millions during by selling the first televisions for mass market as a Dumont Television franchiser.
Built in Gardena, California in the early 1950's, the first 28 prototypes were made of aluminum with a 113 inch wheelbase and were powered by a 331 cid Cadillac V8. Body panels were aluminum based that formed over a steel cage subframe on a ‘X' frame chassis.
Eventually the production site was moved to Evanston, Illinois, Muntz's hometown. It was here that the vehicle received a modified steel body and the powertrain was changed to the Lincoln flathead V8. Using fiberglass front fenders and an OHV Lincoln V8, producing 154 hp. Tested at 6.7 seconds, the Jet made zero to sixty, and a top speed of 119 mph.
As Muntz produced his last cars, he was estimated to have taken nearly a $1000 loss on each vehicle made. At the time, the price of a new Muntz Jet was between $5000 & $6000. Today they range from $10,000 to $40,000 based on their condition.
Well received by audiences in Southern California showrooms, deposits were enough to ensure a satisfactory production beginning.
Producing around 400 Jets between 1951 and 1954, it's estimated that at least 49 survive today.
Most likely due to the huge loss he took on the production of each car, the Muntz Jet venture ended after four years.By Jessica Donaldson
For more information and related vehicles, click hereThe original design came from Frank Kurtis before Earl Muntz bought the design and redesigned and re-engineered it. Earl ‘The Mad Man' Muntz was considered to be a entrepreneur. With a background in radio during the early 40's, he made his millions during by selling the first televisions for mass market as a Dumont Television franchiser.
Built in Gardena, California in the early 1950's, the first 28 prototypes were made of aluminum with a 113 inch wheelbase and were powered by a 331 cid Cadillac V8. Body panels were aluminum based that formed over a steel cage subframe on a ‘X' frame chassis.
Eventually the production site was moved to Evanston, Illinois, Muntz's hometown. It was here that the vehicle received a modified steel body and the powertrain was changed to the Lincoln flathead V8. Using fiberglass front fenders and an OHV Lincoln V8, producing 154 hp. Tested at 6.7 seconds, the Jet made zero to sixty, and a top speed of 119 mph.
As Muntz produced his last cars, he was estimated to have taken nearly a $1000 loss on each vehicle made. At the time, the price of a new Muntz Jet was between $5000 & $6000. Today they range from $10,000 to $40,000 based on their condition.
Well received by audiences in Southern California showrooms, deposits were enough to ensure a satisfactory production beginning.
Producing around 400 Jets between 1951 and 1954, it's estimated that at least 49 survive today.
Most likely due to the huge loss he took on the production of each car, the Muntz Jet venture ended after four years.By Jessica Donaldson
 1953
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| 1952 Jet | 1954 Jet |
