1952 Muntz Jet Roadster

The Muntz Car Company had its beginning in Glendale, CA. The company was founded by Earl 'Madman' Muntz, a well-known local used car dealer and electronics retailer. The company had a short life as a car manufacturer; from 1950 to 1954.

Muntz was assisted by Frank Kurtis, who had earlier attempted to produce a sports car under the Kurtis Kraft marque. A mere 36 Kurtis Kraft Sports cars were produced by 1950.

In 1951, Kurtis sold Muntz the license to manufacture the cars. They were quickly rebadged as the 'Muntz Jet'; he extended the body to make it a four-seater and exchanged the Ford engine with a larger Cadillac V8. Later, this engine would be replaced with a less-expensive Lincoln side-valve V8.

The company managed to produce approximately 400c ars between 1951 and 1954. Due to the high manufacturing cost, Muntz himself estimated that his company lost about $1,000 on each car; this financial drain eventually caused him to close the company.

Because the cars were distinctive in design, well-built, and great performers for their time, Muntz Jets are rare and valuable collector pieces.