There has long been debate about what was the first genuine American sports car, with some people pinning that label on the Chevrolet Corvette. However, more knowledgeable individuals point the finger at the Kurtis Sport Car (KSC), even though only seventeen of those classics rolled out of the factory. Recent history seemed to confirm that chassis #003 was the oldest KSC in existence, but our feature car trumps it soundly. This car’s tag confirms it is KB 001, making it the first prototype. When it comes to the subject of the KSC, that makes this car the rightful heir to the “oldest” throne. It is a complete car with a host of spares and is listed exclusively here on Barn Finds Auctions.
Frank Kurtis was a lateral thinker who cut his automotive teeth in the world of motorsport. It was his driving passion, but following the end of World War II, he became aware of the growing demand for classic British sports cars. He decided the buying public deserved a home-grown alternative and commenced the development of the Kurtis Sport Car. Although many people believe KB 001 used a ’49 Ford chassis as a starting point, Kurtis fabricated a bespoke frame to which he attached panels utilizing “pontoon” styling. It instantly made the British alternative look dated and should have ensured the car’s success. However, the price of the finished product proved prohibitively expensive, with production ending after seventeen vehicles were built. Kurtis sold the rights and other associated equipment to Earl “Madman” Muntz, who transformed the KSC into a four-seater called the Muntz Jet. This KSC is essentially complete, although the seller says it requires work to present at its best. It appears the tasks are no more complicated than for any other car from this era, meaning a skilled new owner could perform many of them in a home workshop. Most of the chrome has made a trip to the platers in preparation for the restoration, while the glass is present and in good condition.
The top was one of the most significant differences between KB 001 and the production versions of the KSC. While the regular examples featured a typical drop-top, KB 001 sported a removable hardtop. The frame for this is included, although it requires a reskin to return it to its former glory. Also included is an enormous array of parts, suggesting a previous owner may have had access to a second car they used as a donor. These include one damaged fender, a pair of rear quarter panels, an extra trunk lid in fiberglass and steel, a damaged hood, an extra set of doors with windows and mechanisms in them for both windows and door latches, hood hinges, and a few other parts. It is a welcome treasure trove, especially in a rare classic like this.
One notable change received by this KSC is its drivetrain. Kurtis planned on utilizing the upcoming Studebaker OHV V8 to power his creation, building the prototype with the six-cylinder engine from the Studebaker Champion. In stock form, this little dynamo churned out 80hp. However, adding a supercharger to the equation boosted that figure to around 112hp. The original six disappeared at some point, with the space occupied by a Tri-Power Oldsmobile Rocket V8 that sends its power to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Thankfully, the original engine mounts are intact, meaning bolting in another Champion six with a blower is viable. The car also featured Studebaker front suspension, which it retains. Someone upgraded the brakes to front discs, but the correct components come with the vehicle for an owner planning a faithful restoration. KB 001 rolled out of the factory with a larger radiator, which still occupies its rightful place. The owner fitted new wiring, and everything works as it should. They indicate this classic runs and drives well, and it appears it generates plenty of attention when it rolls out of the garage with the owner behind the wheel.
KB 001’s interior is a work in progress, requiring carpet and the finishing touches to present at its best. The beautiful machine-turned fascia houses crisp and clear gauges to monitor the engine’s health, while the steering wheel looks excellent. The seats aren’t original, but another set is included more in keeping with this car’s history. There is also a spare steering wheel and a significant collection of documentation, photos, and magazine articles confirming this classic’s provenance.
Owning an early American sports car means most enthusiasts will have a C1 Corvette in their sights. However, some notable vehicles emerged before General Motors entered the market. The Kurtis rode a wave of enthusiasm for British sports cars that occurred following World War II, but full-scale production never eventuated. The KSC now receives the recognition it deserves, and if you’d like to own the oldest in existence, this could be your chance.
- Location: Gloversville, New York
- Mileage: 300 Miles Shown, TMU
- Engine: Oldsmobile Rocket V8
- Transmission: Automatic
- VIN: AZ249079
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
Midtown bid $45,000.00 2023-02-10 08:59:25
AstonDBV bid $42,000.00 2023-02-10 08:36:29- Midtown bid $40,000.00 2023-02-09 09:10:20
Stjames bid $29,000.00 2023-02-09 07:32:23
SCmach bid $25,000.00 2023-02-09 07:26:05- Stjames bid $23,000.00 2023-02-08 19:03:05
- SCmach bid $22,000.00 2023-02-08 16:09:54
- Midtown bid $20,010.00 2023-02-08 09:12:39
Pedro bid $19,000.00 2023-02-06 13:22:31
Gimpy007 bid $18,777.00 2023-02-05 06:38:59- Pedro bid $18,000.00 2023-02-03 19:50:02
- Gimpy007 bid $17,777.00 2023-02-03 11:06:36
- Pedro bid $10,000.00 2023-02-02 10:13:20
RockMoto bid $2,000.00 2023-02-02 10:03:50
BarFinds calling Wayne Carini! This is your chance to own the first Kurtis. I know you like the Muntz and this would be perfect for you to send through your restoration shop.
Barfinds…are you calling Jon Taffer?
“Bar Finds” or “Barf inds” ? Either way, I chuckled.
Saw one of these in a museum. Odd in some areas but certainly could be fun with the Olds engine.
Just because you have some knowledge of a Curtis sports car does not make you a more knowledgeable individual, and with only 17 of these rolling off the factory in 1949 that is not really a production car 90% of America probably never even heard of one back in 1949, so in my opinion the Corvette wins the title of America’s first production sports car, just my opinion!!!
lighten up, Mitch!
Change “TheOldRanger” to “HowardLite”. THere is only room for one codger sourpuss on BF.
wa wa wa wa wa I’m an old ranger and my opinion is the only one that counts, lighten up Francis!!!
It’s Kurtis, with a “K”.
Curtis?!? What’s your opinion on Alpha Romeo?
There’s no such thing.
It looks like Mitch got up on the wrong side of the bed.
why because I have an opinion!!
well Steve I’m waiting.
Maybe not a more knowledgeable individual, but at least an individual who knows the correct spelling of the car.
I’ve never heard of this car, but I do like the lines, especially for a 1949 vehicle. It would be fun to drive this around and watch the old guys try to figure out what company made this car. I would have struck out guessing, that’s for sure.
Parts stash photo clearly shows doors with wind wings. The car doesn’t have them. Makes you wonder just what treasures lye within.
It’s Kurtis, with a “K”.
If you would like to know more about Kurtis-Kraft sport, midget, Indy, and road race cars, my Kurtis-Kraft Facebook page is “Kurtis-Kraft Race and Sports Cars”.
I’ve personally seen at least 2 of the Muntz versions of this. Quite advanced for their time both in styling and engineering. One used to sit behind a gas station-repair shop in Cohocton, NY. I passed it often back in the 70s, knew what it was and meant to stop, never did and it disappeared. Second was within the last few years, at a show on St. Armand’s Circle outside Sarasota, beautifully restored. Impressive car.
Find humor in Mitch’s comment that lack of recognition means the Corvette wins as first. I’ve never heard of Mitch, so does he really exist?
Schrodinger’s Mitch?
The Muntz Jet was a bastardization of the KK Sport. By extending the wheelbase and adding a backseat, he diluted the original concept of a “sports car”.
My thoughts exactly if 90% of American’s never heard of a Curtis with a K did it really exist, everybody has heard of a Corvette everybody plain and simple!!!
OK, Mitch, 90% of Americans don’t have a deep knowledge of the Indianapolis 500.
Phil ethier really Phil what are you talking about.
Also the Muntz, this Kurtis Sport Car KB 001 reminds me the Citroën DS, that came later.
No surprise, same as Aerodynamics was same for USA and USSR, designs of Airplanes for same mission converged, and politicians of all types in the 1930s shared their speech style, ‘la mode, c’est la mode’
Blessings +
Is there other documentation/proof of the 001 tag story?
As the prototype, there were a lot of things that were unique to 001. From the photos, it appears to be correct to me.
Thanks. If you are the “Pedro” bidding, have you had an interest in the Kurtis for many years?
Yes, I’m a bit of a KK historian.
Probably a good thing they did not get popular. High production might have caused a world-wide chromium shortage.
Never saw one before. I love it!
Where does the Nash Healey fit in the first of sports car story???
beautiful car. Like the later grill better (but merican AND English).
The featured above wuz too rare for “merica’s 1st sports car”. I would have to think it MUST B after WWII (not that there werent other earlier small topless speedy merican made cars) but Bcuz they had to B what returning soldiers wanted/bought here on return frm the Continent.
Crosley HotShot, Kiser Darian. Hudson Italia, N-H all 4 might “get it” pre-vette?
An interesting find. If one spent the money and time to restore it correctly to original, I could see a major event such as Amelia, Greenwich, etc. extending an invite based on its historical significance.
America’s first ‘sports’ car…..how about the STUTZ BEARCAT….!!!!
Crosley introduced the American sports car to the postwar market.
On July 13, 1949, the Crosley Hotshot was unveiled during a New York City hotel reception before it was placed on display at both Macy’s and Fine Cars the next morning. It was a small, two-passenger automobile designed with a low ground clearance and well-balanced chassis dynamics that allowed for quick responses and easy maneuverability under high-speed driving conditions. Those design points were the very parameters used to define the “sports car” as early as 1935.
1912 Mercer Raceabout is considered America’s First Sports Car.
Kinda cool, but can’t imagine it bringing big bucks
I think you’ll be surprised.
Most older people in the hobby know the Muntz/Kurtis story. I’m just congratulating BF on landing such a unique listing. Great job folks!
As to the car, it will sell and be restored. Personally I like the idea that it’s been upgraded, but next time you see it, it will be on Amelia Island in concours condition with all original hardware intact.
Imagine it’s 1950 and you roll up to an LA drive in next to a shoebox Ford in your Kurtis.
It would be a tough call to decide if it should get the OG Studebaker six and be a trailer/car show queen or keep the Olds, get it roadworthy, and drive the piss out of it as an oddball survivor. I would do the latter.
America’s first sports car, always thought it was the Crosley Hotshot
1949 Crosley Hotshot was a production sports car, available until 1952, several hundred built.
From Wikipedia: “A 1949 KSC won the Motor Trend Classic Award – Editor’s Choice at the 2010 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, while a different 1949 KSC won Best in Class for Kurtis street vehicles at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. The 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance program described the KSC as the first “true American sports car”. At the 2019 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance auction, a 1950 KSC sold for $263,200.”
Any rust on chassis or body? When last started?
Hey John, sorry I didn’t see your comment. Yes there is rust under some of the chrome, will need some attention in a restoration. The car was last started October/November when I parked it in there. I had the carbs rebuilt and ran out of nice weather in the upstate ny, so it got parked for the cold months.
I am going to add in the bottom of the comments here my detailed description I sent in. It’s less wordy but more details.
Crosley Hot Shot was the 1st
Pedro
How do we know this car was supposed to be a 6 cylinder? Since its conception, it supposedly has been in hiding. Got any insight? And do you know if the doors are even functional, since it doesn’t have hardware?
Being a concept, it looks like it was never finished and since nobody new or even existed until a few weeks ago, at least by most.
K001 came with a 6 cylinder. The car was very well known when it was built, there documentation of it, it’s in a lot of books and a lot or articles are written on the car. He was waiting for studabaker to make a v8 and they didn’t get it done in time, so he went with the 6, then made a deal with ford so all the cars after 001 had a flathead ford in them. I have pictures of the car being tested, shared too me by franks grandson. This car was kinda known, It was just owned by a private collector for a lot of years. Some knew it existed but he never advertised he owned it. Doors also work, was being set up more of a hot rod by 2 owners back so the parts gathering to make it correct started, should have everything to make it right minus time.
Thanks Brandon
You mention that the parts should have everything to finis. Is there anything, besides correct drivetrain, and seats needed?
Is there door hardware?
Any idea if the parts are from another production car or kit car?
Bo it won’t let me reply too your comment so I’ll put it here. But I’m not sure exactly what car the other parts are from. I dont believe the dream of the kits were ever made. Just one that I know of 017 and that was the one he gave too his son. There is an extra set of complete doors as well as boxes of parts, so there should be enough to put everything together, plus some, also I should note that most of the stuff he used from other cars, vent windows are ford, door handles are studabaker, looks like mechanisms are Fords. Ect.
As Brandon mentions above, this car has been floating around from owner to owner for a while. The Kurtis family is still around, and as Brandon also mentions, these cars were very well described and photographed for Motor Trend, Road and Track, and Hot Rod magazines.
Is there any documentation or ownership trail that would indicate this is actually serial number KB001? The id tag looks like a repro and it’s just held on with screws…
I know that there were a bunch of kits for this car that Frank also sold. Might this be just an assemblage of spare parts?
I dont believe frank got around to selling the kits, only 017 and that was too his son. He sold the company before that dream was complete. There were several differences between 001 and the others, I actually have a list in my office that will go with the car. But some to mention, Fiberglas inner hood frame, that’s the “extra hood” the wider radiator, as this one still has. The first 3 had studebaker front suspension, this one does, the first car didn’t have the air vents from the front of the car too the driver compartment, this one does not or have any existence of them. The studabaker in-line 6 mounts still there are also a dead giveaway. There are many things like this, I have also verified with his grandson who has restored several of them, he’s the one that sent me the pictures of 001 with frank during testing. All this can also go with the car.
Brandon, are you the seller? I am the current high bidder.
yes i am!
Is there any proof other that this is K001?
I have two Muntz Jets one came with the same after market modern Tag shown in the pictures.
Thanks
Simon
There is loads of proof and info in the comments. Verified number 1. 001 came with a lot of special things this has them all. A few of them were.
The first 3 had the Studebaker front suspension which this has, kb003 is known and restored already.
The first one had an inline 6 supercharged engine in it, and the mounts are thankfully still on this car so it could be put back in! In the original magazines, posters and info I have pictures of this.
I have pictures of car 001 on testing in California, sent to me by Frank’s grandson and you can also see the car does not have the vents for fresh air found in all the other cars, as this one does not have.
Car 001 had a larger radiator, as can be seen in my pictures of this car and the original car.
The first car was said to have inner fiberglass with metal over them, although not on the car I have that trunk is not in great shape, the one on the car is nicer, (so someone must have had a parts car.)
The first car had what was a removable framed top rather than a fold down top, this top frame is with the car and goes with the sale.
There is many more things but it’s very easy to tell it’s 001
Thanks
You are looking at a piece of history for sale. For those who don’t know of Frank Kurtis, he was an amazing Indy car builder whose cars won a lot of races, championships, ect and that all shows where he was featured in the racing hall of fame as well as the first edition of Motor Trend Magazine with this car. I would like to keep the history of him short, but if you do some research on him, you will be amazed.
In the late 1940s, he set out to build the first American made sports car, and that he did with the Kurtis Sport car. This car was a custom built car by Frank, although he had huge plans only 16 complete cars were built and the 17th incomplete and given to his son. For the time, these were amazing running and driving cars as they handled great and had lots of power. Many people thought the car used a ford frame, but it was a custom built frame by Frank.
Frank wanted to have a Studebaker v8 in it, but Studebaker did not have that option yet in 1949. They were still working on it, but Frank ended up going with a Ford V8 Flathead. Although, before he got there the first 3 cars were built with Studebaker suspension and car number one had a supercharged V6 Studebaker. Later cars would have gotten an Oldsmobile rocket V8.
Out of the 17 cars made, number 003 claims to be the first known Sport car. The current owner has youtube videos of it, really nice car, you can look it up, but here is #001. Not only the first American made sports car, but the first one made. The first car had a few special things, not found in the later ones, not just the original 001 number tag.
The first 3 had the Studebaker front suspension which this has, (this one someone added disc brakes too, although they work nice, I have all the original brakes if someone wanted to put it back).
The first one had an inline 6 supercharged engine in it, and the mounts are thankfully still on this car so it could be put back in! In the original magazines, posters and info I have pictures of this.
I have pictures of car 001 on testing in California, sent to me by Frank’s grandson and you can also see the car does not have the vents for fresh air found in all the other cars, as this one does not have.
Car 001 had a larger radiator, as can be seen in my pictures of this car and the original car.
The first car was said to have inner fiberglass with metal over them, although not on the car I have that trunk is not in great shape, the one on the car is nicer, (so someone must have had a parts car.)
The first car had what was a removable framed top rather than a fold down top, this top frame is with the car and goes with the sale, although it will need some work and a new top but is there!
Although there are lots of special things about this number 1 car and so much history, I believe it is time to part with it. I bought it with the plans of a restoration and to go in the collection of “toys”, but with a new house being built priorities have shifted. Right now the car runs, drives and stops well, powered by a Olds rocket with 2x3s, with an automatic transmission. The car will need metalwork and body work to make it nice but I have driven it how it is now, and no one has ever complained! The wiring is done, and made more modern, lights work, gauges are hooked up, fuel system all works as it should and so on. Car is ready for interior and body work. I thought the seats in it looked a little high so I bought a set of shorter back seats that go with it. Mechanically, this car seems very nice as I pulled the rear drums off to go through it and the work that was done was just amazing. I’m really sad to sell it, but I just won’t have time to get to it. The chrome was redone before I bought the car in preparation for paint, including a chromed windshield frame to be swapped out with the painted one on the car.
Extra parts, this car comes with lots of extra part;
one extra damaged fender
2 quarter panels
original wiring and other parts
The lift off top I spoke about before
extra damaged hood
Extra fiberglass/steel trunk I mentioned earlier
Extra set of doors, with windows and mechanisms in them, for both windows and door latches
Extra hood hinges
Extra steering wheel
Set of front brakes, as I mentioned above for anyone who wants to put it back to original
Seats and tracks that are a little lower
Extra Chromed windshield
The side skirts are not on the car, but are there and the chrome trim is not chromed but needs to be done
Loads of books, articles, magazines and information on the Kurtis sport car
Brandon,
How long have you owned this car?
Can you share any of the original photos for KB001?
As I look at the car, it looks like the bumpers and side trim don’t really fit the car. I can imagine that early protos weren’t identical so am wondering if the trim came from a donor car as it’s hard to believe Frank built the car this way.
Do you have fender skirts and trim?
I have actually not owned it super long, i bought it off a friend so he could put the money towards some real estate, and we are building a house now, and the bids are coming in way higher then planned, so a heads up, this car leads to building a house, and it cost more then planned! hahaha I bought it, got it running and driving, got a bunch of bugs worked out and then the house got more extreme.
I do not know how to add pictures on here, i can email, or text the ones i have on my phone, brandon.dipasquale@yahoo.com i have boxes of books and info on the car also that goes with the car, articles on the first drive in the car, pictures, documents ect. the plan for the car was to be re painted, so no real work was done to line the trim up, so with some work it could be lined up, im not sure if the trim is original to this car, there is doubles of most of it, so id assume it could of been mixed and matched, the other stuff is not new chrome, just original stuff. (im assuming they picked the best of the stuff to have chromed) There is original skirts and trim that go with the car. The amount of extra parts with this car is unbelievable, im sure the value of those parts if sold could pay for the car or restoration, i just never part with parts! lol Also all the bodies were hand built so im assuming they are all slightly different.
Do you have any photos of the hardtop parts that you have? Curious about what’s left and how big of a project it would be to rebuild.
there is actually a picture of it, its over the extra set of doors, leaning up against the pallet of flooring i bought for the house!(extra hood is over that) lol
Maybe Bill Kurtis is interested in bringing it back to the family.
Who’s Bill Kurtis?
You’re so young.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Kurtis
Phil, it has nothing to do with age. He’s just the wrong Kurtis. I don’t believe he’s related.
Wrong Kurtis … I watched Bill deliver evening news for years on Chicago TV … as far as I know he has nothing to do with classic cars …
Congratulations on auctioning such an important car on your website!
Well Guys, Matchbox currently puts out a swell miniature of the Kurtis Sports car for $.99, (yes it’s so labeled on the card and it’s not the Muntz)
I hoarded a drawerful.
Was it a “Carson” top. Later Muntz Jets supposedly had Carson tops but I have heard otherwise (Muntz built).
It’s probably gonna creap a bit out of the price range I can justify with the missus … my money is on Pedro …
Very solid bidding for a car without much actual documentation. Reserve Not Met. Not sure if the seller is really interested in finishing his house project….
I was willing to go to $40K, but I have the ability and knowledge of Kurtis to finish it myself. If a buyer had to have it restored by an outside party, the current asking price and restoration costs would greatly exceed the value. That being said, from my knowledge, and from those who know these cars inside and out, I believe this car to be 001 based on construction details consistent with other Kurtis Kraft cars.
Seller does not need to sell it to finish his house project, seller currently has more than 20 hot rod cars all restored from the 1920s up, this is the only project car, he just does not have time to finish it, when starting what will be a 10k sqft house/garage project. He doesn’t even have time to play with the other cars in the 2 garages there! There is loads of documentation on this car and much proving what it is.
Pedro, yes I believe there is enough to show for those who know the car. I currently have an offer of just shy of double that, a wholesaler. And just shy of that a collector. But I think it will sit for now until I have time to work on it. I am in no rush. It’s such a cool car for me. I’ve watched what done ones have sold for, at all levels of completion
Sell does not need to sell it to finish his house project, seller currently has more than 20 hot rod cars all restored from the 1920s up, this is the only project car, he just does not have time to finish it, when starting what will be a 10k sqft house/garage project. There is loads of documentation on this car and much proving what it is.
Yet you bid on it? lol
Wally Parks, on the Salt in 1949
One of my favorite KK Sport photos!
Kurtis cars were common at the Indianapolis 500 and won the race 5 times.
The builder of the Kurtis racing and road cars
is
Frank Peter Kurtis Kuretich born 25 Jan 1908
who is the son of
Frank Andrew Kuretich born 4 Oct 1884
who is the son of
Micheal Andrew Kuretich born Dec 1850
And
Francika Panian born 1864
COMMON ANCESTORS
who are the parents of
Mike Kuretich born 14 Feb 1879
who is the father of
William Albert Kuretich Kurtis born 30 Mar 1914
who is the father of
William Horton Kurtis born 21 Sep 1940
who is
The Legendary Anchorman Bill Kurtis
Therefore, The Legendary Anchorman Bill Kurtis is the first cousin once removed of Frank Kurtis.
“1912 Mercer Raceabout is considered America’s First Sports Car.”
I’ll see your 1912 and raise you the 1905 American Underslung as a candidate for America’s First Sports Car.
Yes, Harry Clayton Stutz was involved…
Car-freaks underslinging cars to make them into sports cars was not unknown, but the American Motor Car Company may be the first to factory-build cars that way.
Great choice! It was known as America’s Most Luxurious Car at that time. But, it doesn’t have the racing history of Mercer, including its race at Indy 500. But as you mention, the style lived on past The Underslung.