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Kurtis Special: 1953 Sorrell SR-100 Prototype Project

1953 Kurtis 500kk Chassis

Some projects car are not worth pursuing, but we think we have found a keeper. Funny thing is, it is just a frame. This frame is special though because it was built by Kurtis Kraft. It is a 500KK which was a built to order model of their Indy 500 car. The customer could specify their drive train when ordering in any stage of completion. This specific chassis was used by Sorrell to create a prototype for their SR-100. Find it here on eBay with bidding at $19,655 and a BIN of $42,500.

1954 Sorrell Sr 100

The chassis featured a one off aluminum body which was used to form the molds to create the car shown above. The prototype was shown at the 1953 Petersen Motorama Show and the seller is including some event posters as proof of the occasion. The body is no longer mounted to the frame and most of the mechanicals are long gone.

Sorrell Sr100 Body

There is hope to get this beauty back together though because the seller knows the location of the original body and has a fiberglass version in their possession too. We would try our hardest to get that original body back in place because it would make the car much more significant.

Kurtis 500kk Racing

Even if you could not get it back to original it would be still be an amazing car. Since the 500KK was a built to order car, you could go many different directions with the power plant while still being able to compete in vintage racing. You could stick a Hemi V8 or an Offenhauser four cylinder in there. Coming up with the body work will probably be the biggest challenge, but we have a feeling someone will take this project on and we sure would love to see how it turns out.

Comments

  1. Avatar Johnny Hornet

    no way is that frame worth that even with the history its a simple frame any metal worker could put that kind of frame togeather with only the cost of tubing…. and with the demensions of said frame … far from worth it sorry boys i cant agree on this one

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Barn Finds

    @Johnny – Sure, you could build this frame for next to nothing, but that still wouldn’t make it a Kurtis Kraft and there are no vintage racing series that would let you in with your home built frame. This project is for someone who wants to gain access to

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Ray in PA

    You would need a Jay Leno class of car nut to make this work…

    Like 0
  4. Avatar mark b

    my chassis did not sell on ebay and that is a very good thing

    i finally was able to acquire the original prototype aluminum body and will soon begin restoring it to its 1953 Petersen Motorama configuration

    Like 0
    • Avatar john mote

      Hello Mark
      Well I hope this message finds you even though its a year and 4 months later.
      I am currently restoring the CAR CRAFT magazine cover car to road race as its original builder Richard lane intended .Its a( fiberglass) SR100 body with doors, hood , trunk lid like yours on a Kurtis 500 KK chassis with the I-6 GMC
      Would love to see your progress and share info

      Like 0

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