1948 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet

97 1948 Norman Timbs Special Norman Timbs at the Wheel—Circa 1949. Mechanical engineer Norman E. Timbs created this dramatic streamliner in the ’40 s which in many ways was the ultimate American hot rod. The resulting chic roadster was good enough for the cover of Motor Trend as well as features in Mechanix Illustrated , Popular Mechanics and Motor Life . Leading up to this design, Mr. Timbs had worked designing race cars such as the Blue Crown Specials which won the Indianapolis 500 several times. Mr. Timbs was no doubt influenced by the 1937 Auto Union Type C Stromlinie and 1937 Mercedes - Benz W25 Avus Stromlinie. The Timbs Special ’ s sensational shape was a very close approximation of these cars which ran the fastest GP race of all time nearing speeds of 248.40 mph. The body was a nod to the German GP cars which at the time mimicked aeronautical practice. Norm's design was free of the over indulgences such as huge chrome bumpers and large tail fins that eventually dominated American design. The streamliner's chic elegance was a rarity in America, even if was outdated by post - war standards. Today, the car's smooth shape is still as pleasing to the eye as it was in 1948. The body is long and low with a complete underbelly panel. With the engine positioned ahead of the rear axle, the cockpit is pushed forward much like the Auto Union Type D. In keeping with the airfoil shape, no doors are cut out of the body. A large one - piece rear panel opens hydraulically to reveal the entire rear end of the chassis. The car was based around a 1947 Buick straight 8 engine which powered the 2200 lb. car to 120 mph. The main chassis was built up from five - inch steel tubes which kicked up over the rear axle. To offer a smooth ride, a modified 1947 Ford suspension was utilized. Road & Track reported that it took Norm Timbs 2 1/2 years to create the car at a cost of $10,000. The body was crafted entirely in aluminum by Emil Diedt for $8,000. The shape was formed by hand over a traditional wooden buck. The Timbs Special can be considered more of a “ concept ” car than a sports car in terms of its impact on sports car design in postwar America. It ’ s presented here because it represents the enthusiasm and vision of what was possible in the heady and exciting times when postwar sports cars were being defined in both styling and performance. The Timbs Special Appeared on the Cover of Motor Trend ’ s Second Issue in October, 1949. It Later Appeared in Road & Track Magazine in December, 1949.