1947 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet

3 The Individuals: When World War II ended in August of 1945, Frank Kurtis and Paul Omohundro were hard at work putting together the foundations of their respective companies. Each would become a powerhouse in his own area. Frank Kurtis would go on to build a race car dynasty from the late ‘40 s through the ‘50 s. Paul Omohundro would continue expanding his drop hammer tooling company (Comet Company) and then turn to fiberglass— building one of the most successful industrial plastics firms in Southern California by the mid ‘50 s. The Automobile: Designed in 1945, built in 1946, and debuted in early 1947, the Comet ’ s lower center of gravity, high performance engine, and streamlined body established the concept for all subsequent postwar sports cars in America. This car is one of two coachbuilt sports cars conceived, designed working with Frank Kurtis , built, and sold by Paul Omohundro ’ s Comet Company of Los Angeles California between 1945 and 1948. The 1947 Kurtis - Omohundro Comet represents not only the first American postwar sports car, but also reveals the earliest sports and custom car features that many ‘50 s era builders would use including: • Low slung streamlined body • Lightweight body (aluminum) • Speed equipment (Edelbrock aluminum heads and intake manifold) • Interior door handles only (reach inside to open each door) • Custom coachwork throughout All body panels are handcrafted in aluminum. The grille and windshield frame are cast in bronze and chrome plated. Nearly Built In Fiberglass: According to Motor Trend Magazine, Custom Cars Book 101 (1951), the “ Comet ” was originally designed to use the new postwar wonder material—fiberglass— which would have made it America ’ s first fiberglass sports car. However, material shortages in the immediate postwar era impacted the plans and the Comet was built using lightweight aluminum as its skin. Designer : Frank Kurtis: One of the earliest designers of custom, sports, and race cars in America, and whose company, Kurtis - Kraft, ultimately became the “ World ’ s Largest Manufacturer of Racing Cars. ” The Kurtis - Kraft Company was especially known for designing and building highly successful midget and larger race cars. These included Sprint and Championship cars that achieved winning records at the Indianapolis 500. Co - Designer and Builder : Paul Omohundro: Owner of the drop hammer tooling “ Comet Company ” of Los Angeles. Omohundro also produced aluminum race car bodies for Kurtis, and collaborated on the production of fiberglass panels for the 1949 - 1950 Kurtis Sport Car. This was the first use of fiberglass for a production automobile. Part I — America ’ s First Postwar Sports Car Part I of the book reviews the history of this automobile, its heritage, the builders, and specifications.