1948 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet

7 — The Kurtis - Kraft Connection — Frank Kurtis and Paul Omohundro were lifelong friends. They collaborated in the ’40 s on three projects that were in the forefront of the coachbuilding, race car, and sports car industry: • Stamping of Aluminum Midget Racing Bodies: Paul Omohundro ’ s Comet Company of Los Angeles was a short distance from Frank ’ s Glendale, California Kurtis - Kraft plant. The Comet Company stamped midget racing bodies in aluminum for Kurtis - Kraft during their busiest years from 1946 to 1948. References: ( Kurtis - Kraft: Masterworks of Speed and Style , 2001, by Gordon Eliot White; Frank Kurtis (1986) and Paul Omohundro (1981) personal correspondence from ‘80 s; Omohundro family interviews). • 1947 and 1948 Kurtis - Omohundro Comets: Frank Kurtis adapted the design for these cars from the 1940 sports car he designed and built for Bill Hughes. Reference: (Frank Kurtis Letter, 1986). • Kurtis Sport Car Fiberglass Panels: Their final business collaboration was the design and supply of fiberglass fenders (front and rear), trunk, and hood from Paul Omohundro ’ s Comet Company. In working together, they created the first production car in the world to incorporate fiberglass panels in its design. Reference: Motor Trend , October, 1950. Part II — The Vintage Story