Post by bobjeffreson on Jan 29, 2009 12:13:12 GMT 10
1947 Kurtis Kraft Midget.
Estimate: $20,000-$25,000 US
US$52,250 Sold
Specifications:
110 cu. in. Offenhauser four-cylinder engine, “in and out” transmission, straight tubular front axle with transverse leaf spring, Casale “quick change” rear end assembly with open tube rear axle and parallel torsion bar suspension, Halibrand disc brakes.
A number of Midget car constructors emerged, though none dominated this field like the legendary Frank Kurtis. From the late 1930s, Kurtis-Kraft produced an estimated 550 complete Midget cars, with over 550 more examples produced in kit form. Kurtis’ approach to design has been aptly described as “...intuitively elegant and efficient”, and was the standard by which the work of other manufacturers was judged.
Presented here is one such racecar, constructed in 1947 by Tom Sparks, from one of the Kurtis-Kraft Midget kits. Originally powered by a Ford V8-60 engine, it competed in the United Racing Association “Red” Circuit, mainly in Central and Northern California. While it is believed that this very car was owned by Doug Carruthers and driven by Don Cameron to consecutive URA Championships in 1956 and 1957, experts tend to disagree on the matter.
I cannot find what the cost of a Kurtis midget was in '47. In the high hundreds of dollars only, I would suggest. Big money back in those times! We should all go out today and buy a brand new midget and stick it away in the back of the garage and not look at it for 40 years. It'll be worth a million.
Estimate: $20,000-$25,000 US
US$52,250 Sold
Specifications:
110 cu. in. Offenhauser four-cylinder engine, “in and out” transmission, straight tubular front axle with transverse leaf spring, Casale “quick change” rear end assembly with open tube rear axle and parallel torsion bar suspension, Halibrand disc brakes.
A number of Midget car constructors emerged, though none dominated this field like the legendary Frank Kurtis. From the late 1930s, Kurtis-Kraft produced an estimated 550 complete Midget cars, with over 550 more examples produced in kit form. Kurtis’ approach to design has been aptly described as “...intuitively elegant and efficient”, and was the standard by which the work of other manufacturers was judged.
Presented here is one such racecar, constructed in 1947 by Tom Sparks, from one of the Kurtis-Kraft Midget kits. Originally powered by a Ford V8-60 engine, it competed in the United Racing Association “Red” Circuit, mainly in Central and Northern California. While it is believed that this very car was owned by Doug Carruthers and driven by Don Cameron to consecutive URA Championships in 1956 and 1957, experts tend to disagree on the matter.
I cannot find what the cost of a Kurtis midget was in '47. In the high hundreds of dollars only, I would suggest. Big money back in those times! We should all go out today and buy a brand new midget and stick it away in the back of the garage and not look at it for 40 years. It'll be worth a million.
