1954 Kurtis Kraft 500S Roadster

Kurtis Kraft was an American designer and builder of racecars. The company built midget cars, quarter-midgets, sports cars, sprint cars, Bonneville cars, and USAC Championship cars. It was founded by Frank Kurtis when he built his own midget car chassis in the late 1930s. Kurtis also built some very low fiberglass-bodied two-seat sports car under his name in Glendale, California, between 1949 and 1955. About 36 cars had been made when the license was sold to Earl 'Madman' Muntz, who built the Muntz Jet.

In 1954 and 1955, road versions of their Indianapolis racers were offered. Kurtis Kraft created over 550 ready-to-run midget cars, and 600 kits. The Kurtis Kraft chassis midget car featured a smaller version of the Offenhauser motor. Kurtis Kraft also created 120 Indianapolis 500 cars, including five winners.

The 500S was a sports car built by Kurtis Kraft. Though very limited in production - just 24 were built - it completely dominated west coast racing in its heyday, proving nearly unbeatable. This example features a 350 cubic-inch Chevrolet V8 engine, with three dual barrel carburetors, producing an estimated 400 horsepower.

This particular 500S was built by Frank Kurtis and his son Arlen for their own personal use. Featured on Dennis Gage's My Classic Car in 2008, it was displayed at the 2005 Quail Motorsports Gathering and campaigned at the 2011 California Mille and the Colorado Grand. This car is fully documented with a handwritten letter by Arlen Kurtis describing the build process.