1948 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet

89 1940 Kurtis - Hughes Sports Car In 1939, Bill Hughes of Denver, Colorado commissioned Frank Kurtis to build a sports car around an Indianapolis proven Miller - Ford V - 8 engine. Working in his South San Pedro Boulevard shop, Kurtis took a 1934 Ford frame and shortened it, adding 1939 Ford hydraulic brakes. He built a framework of steel angle iron material, over which he formed a hand - made body, and attached modified 1939 Chevrolet fenders. The top folded into a recess behind the seat. The car had no trunk, and the spare tire slid into a storage area accessible from inside the car. The car was finished in 1940. The following story about this Kurtis Sports Car appeared in the May, 1952 issue of Auto Sport Review : In 1939, Kurtis designed and built a sports car for wealthy cattleman Bill Hughes of Denver. It was a design 10 years ahead of any sports car of that day, and Kurtis built it for a paltry $900.00. Hughes later sold it for $3200 to a Hollywood director. Then a couple of years ago–when the car was pushing 10 and due for retirement–a wealthy cameraman barged into the director ’ s office. “ I ’ ve got to have that Kurtis car, ” he said harriedly. “ My wife ’ s in love with it, and I ’ m in love with my wife. ” But the director said he wouldn ’ t sell–not for any amount. Not even when the car was involved in a romantic triangle. “ I ’ ll give you $5000 for it, ” the cameraman persisted. Still no sale. The price went up to $6000 – $7000 –then $8000. Still the director shook his head. Finally, the cameraman scrawled out a check for $8000, threw it on the director ’ s desk, and stomped out of the office, declaring, “ I want that pink ownership slip by tomorrow. ” The director finally relented, and sold the car! Now comes the sequel. A few weeks ago, the Hollywoodian and his automotively addicted wife were packing up for Tangiers–where they expect to live. As the gal climbed from behind the car ’ s wheel for the last time, she wept. “ I can ’ t leave ‘ Drool ’ behind, ” she sobbed. She ’ d named the car “ Drool ” because “ that ’ s what I do over it. ” So now the car which Kurtis built 12 years ago for $900 is on its way to Tangiers –via Marseilles. The freight bill alone was $1100 –two hundred bucks more than it cost Kurtis to build. ” Even Though This Cover Photo and Article Appeared in the March, 1949 Issue of Mechanix Illustrated, the Sports Car was Actually Designed and Built in 1940. The Car Survives and has Been Fully Restored. It is now in a Private Collection in Europe.