Hi Gang…

Great news…..you can now create your own Undiscovered Classics collection and save some garage space while doing so.   Thanks to the efforts of Alex Kotyar of Esval Models and some keen rendering work of artist extraordinaire Dan Palatnik, scale models of the 1947 and 1948 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet have been designed, developed and released.  Let’s check out how the 1:43 scale model looks with some close-up images.

1947 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet

1948 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet

History: Past, Present and Future

The story of the two Kurtis-Omohundro Comets was lost to time for over 50 years.  The team at Undiscovered Classics played a significant role in uncovering the history of both cars, locating each and bringing attention to their history and importance across the country and in media throughout the world.

The cars were a collaboration between Frank Kurtis (designer) and Paul Omohundro (coachbuilder) – a team that had worked extensively together in the postwar years and were lifelong friends.  Kurtis and Omohundro collaborated on three projects in the late 1940s which included:

• Paul Omohundro’s Drop Forge Hammer Company, Comet Industries, produced a high number of aluminum bodies for Kurtis Kraft midget race cars
• Paul Omohundro created fiberglass front and rear fenders as well as hood and trunk panels for the 1949-1950 Kurtis Sports Cars which required these panels.  Motor Trend, October 1950 reviews this relationship and project in detail.
• Kurtis and Omohundro Collaboration in design (Kurtis) and “build” (Omohundro) on both Kurtis-Omohundro Comets via Paul Omohundro’s “Comet Industries” coachbuilding company.

The 1947 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet is considered to be the first documented postwar sport car in America.  The 1948 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet first appeared in the February, 1949 issue of Road and Track (their 5th issue in existence) with a full page review.  It also was the first American sports car to be reviewed in an overseas publication when it appeared in May 13th, 1949 issue of Autocar (UK).  Click on the following links to learn more.

Click Here To View The 1947 Kurtis-Omohundro at Pebble Beach in 2012 With Jay Leno and Geoff Hacker

Click Here To Learn More About the 1947 and 1948 Kurtis Omohundro Comets in a Book – Published in 2012

About Esval Models:

Esval Models is a relatively new company located in New Jersey founded by model car enthusiasts and collectors with over 40 years of experience.  All Esval’s models are crafted from resin in 1:43, 1:24, & 1:18 scales.  The Esval Models brand has gained a worldwide recognition in the past several years and is well-known now for highly accurate and detailed replicas of interesting and historical classic and modern cars.

Esval’s assortment of models is growing and now includes models of cars that appeal to our Undiscovered Classics community.  We’re honored by their choice to model some of the cars we celebrate and look forward to sharing more stories about current and future scale models that are (and will be) available soon.

Click Here To View Esval’s New Offerings Including the both Kurtis-Omohundro Comet Sports Cars

Click Here To See Esval’s Full Offering of Scale Models

Click Here To See All Undiscovered Classic Cars Currently Available in Scale Model Form

Purchase: How to Put One of These Models in Your Garage

All 1:43 scale models are priced at $99.99 plus shipping.  If you are interested in obtaining any of these beautiful replicas, please contact Esval Models directly at info@esvalgroup.com

Summary:

Great thanks to Alex Kotlyar of Esval models for making both Kurtis-Omohundro Sports Cars available to the public.  As with any limited offering, if you are interested in obtaining one of these models, be sure to send them an e-mail at the address above.  You can also drop us a line via e-mail or phone too – always happy to help.

Hope you enjoyed the story, and remember…

The adventure continues here at Undiscovered Classics.

Geoff