1937 Kurtis Tommy Lee Special Speedster

This 1930s speedster-style one-off was built by Frank Kurtis for Tommy Lee, a noted California enthusiast who inherited his father's Cadillac dealership empire and media fortune at a young age.

Powered by a purpose-built one-off Offenhauser, 318 cubic-inch, twin-cam race engine producing 300 horsepower and immense torque. The gearbox is a LaSalle three-speed manual mated to a Columbia two-speed rear end.

This dual-purpose machine ran fender-less at the dry lakes in period, achieving recorded speeds of 130 mph with a reported run of 148 mph in 1941. Evoking the Auburn Speedster and Cord 810, the lightweight custom hand-crafted alloy body had graceful lines and brilliantly executed details. It was completed at a cost of $25,000 in 1937 when Tommy was 30 years old.

Steve Alcala of California is responsible for the restoration. Since its 1989 Concours debut, the car has enjoyed many more showings, including what it does best, running hard at the Monterey Historics.