Rare 1953 Muntz Jet Set To Fly Across The Auction Block
The new Chevrolet Corvette wasn’t the only American sports car on sale in 1953.
Two years prior, car and consumer electronics entrepreneur Earl “Madman” Muntz entered an agreemen with famed race car builder Frank Kurtis to take over production of a Kurtis Craft Sport road car he had designed, but didn’t have great success with.
Muntz renamed the five-seat convertible the Muntz Jet and moved production from California to Illinois, where he was based.
The streamlined two-door was originally designed around a Cadillac V8, but switched to a 317-cubic-inch Lincoln V8 early in its run.
Muntz sold it for $5,500, which was a high price for an American car at the time, ad offered it with either a four-speed automatic transmission or three-speed manual.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE CLASSIC CAR STORIES FROM AMERICAN CARS AND RACING
The Jet lived up to its name with a reported top speed of 125 mph that made it faster than the contemporary Corvette.
Unfortunately, Muntz didn’t have much more luck selling it than Kurtis did and ended production in 1954 with just about 200 built.
One of the surviors will be crossing the block at the Worldwide Auctioneers Auburn Auction in Indiana on Saturday, Sept. 2.
The red over white car was restored at some point, according to the auction house, but currently shows a bit of age and patina.
It’s not entirely original and has an upgraded suspension, a modern radio, an aftermarket Holley carburetor and a set of power brakes added.
Worldwide Auctioneers doesn’t offer an estimated value, but Hagerty says one in excellent condition is worth $135,000, while a concours-quality example could command $193,000.
7 of the Best Healthy Snacks with Blue Zone Benefits
By Clean Plates | Sep 28, 2024
The 15 Strangest Movies We’ve Ever Seen
By MovieMaker Magazine | Sep 28, 2024
Jay-Z: Life, Legacy and Influence
By TheGrio | Sep 27, 2024
