1947 Kurtis Kraft Midget Roadster

Midget racing did not require gear changes or the operation of a clutch pedal, which suited Cal Niday of Turlock, California perfectly, who had lost the use of one of his legs due to a motorcycle accident just after high school. Niday's talent and success in midget racing later opened the door to driving at the Indianapolis 500, which he did in 1953, 1954, and 1955, with a best finish of 10th place. He was running as high as third place during the 1955 Indy 500 when he crashed heavily in turn four. He was wearing the first Bell helmet ever used in the race, and he credited it with saving his life.

This Midget Racer was built around 1948 using a frame from Frank Kurtis - the remainder is Niday's creation. It is equipped with a 110 cubic-inch Offenhauser dual overhead camshaft inline 4-cylinder engine with Hilborn fuel injection and delivers an estimated 145 horsepower. There is an Offenhauser In-Out gearbox, four-wheel Gearhart disc brakes, and a tubular front axle with torsion bars and radius rods at the front and rear. In the back is a Halibrand Quick Change axle.

The racing history of this vehicle is not recorded, however, it does wear a 1947 AAA dash plaque showing number 38. By the 1970s, the Midget was owned by Don Edmunds, who added an outside oil tank and a fuel filler on top of the tail. It was later acquired by Mr. Edmunds' employer, Howard Linne, who sold it to Donald L. Weber circa 1980. Mr. Weber entrusted Gary Schroeder to restore the car after his purchase.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2021