1947 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet

15 The Press Release Discussed the Following Points as Related to Planned Production of Multiple Cars: Designed by Frank Kurtis and offered by the Comet Company of Los Angeles, the “ Comet ” will debut in early 1947. Designed to fit any stock Ford chassis, the body combines aluminum panels and steel bracing with a result that reduces body weight from the original Ford by fifty percent. Extensive use of drop hammer tooling will be used to produce the body, and a wide range of lacquer finishes and upholstery material will be available for putting the finishing touches on the sports car. The “ Comet ” will retail for $3450 and is being produced by the Comet Company, 13007 South Main Street, Los Angeles, California. When ordered, the buyer must supply the “ donor ” Ford automobile and deliver it to the factory. Points of Interest: As a reference, a new 1947 Ford cost around $1500, increasing the cost of a completed “ Comet ” sports car to nearly $5000. The date on the license plate shown on the design concept on opposite page is 1946; fender skirts did not make final production—but most other design features did. The “ Moon ” caps were an interesting design touch suggesting streamlining and speed—a very early use of this accessory in the southern California sports and custom car scene. Paul Omohundro had been working with Ford in the immediate postwar era to procure frames. Ford committed to supplying frames in 1945, but then pulled their support in early 1946 —perhaps because Ford car sales were very strong. New cars (Ford) were just coming on the market for the first time since early 1942, and “ surplus ” frames may not have been available See Appendix for John Bond ’ s request for Ford frames—also turned down in 1948. 1946 Press Release Artwork: Dan Palatnik, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2009.