Kurtis Kraft 500 classic cars for sale

History of the Kurtis Kraft 500

Frank Kurtis founded Kurtis Kraft in the 1930s, starting with Midget race cars designed for dirt oval tracks—fields on which American motorsport evolved significantly. By 1941, Kurtis built his first Indy 500 race car, quickly gaining a reputation for advanced engineering. The company later offered Sprint and Midget cars as complete vehicles or kits, enabling broader participation in competitive racing. Between 1948 and 1960, Kurtis Kraft produced a series of Indy cars under the 500 series, consistently breaking lap records and cementing the brand’s role in shaping the top level of US open-wheel racing. Kurtis-built cars, particularly those powered by Offenhauser engines, were crucial in the rise of now-household racing names like Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt.

Model History: Kurtis Kraft 500 Series

The 500 lineup—spanning the 500B, 500C, 500F, and 500G—represents the evolution of Kurtis Kraft’s approach to race car construction. Initially derived from tried-and-tested techniques in Midget and Sprint cars, the 500 series incorporated lessons from earlier models while responding to advancements in engine and chassis technology. The cars were designed and refined specifically for the demands of the Indianapolis 500, competing heavily in the AAA and USAC championships. Kurtis Kraft produced 120 examples for Indy competition, four of which clinched victory at the world-famous race, including one with a repeat win. The later 1950s also saw a handful of road-legal sports cars loosely based on these competition machines, featuring American V8s from Buick, Cadillac, or Chrysler.

Highlights and Notable Features

Kurtis Kraft 500 cars are renowned for their robust chassis and race-oriented engineering. Most featured the powerful Offenhauser 270 dual-overhead-cam inline-four or, in some rarer cases, the NOVI V8. They were typically tuned to run on methanol, delivering considerable horsepower for their time. Notable period details include Jones tachometers, Halibrand centre-lock magnesium wheels, full sets of pressure and fuel gauges, and streamlined Moon wheel covers aimed at maximising straight-line speed during qualifying. Their liveries and finishes often replicate the precise look and feel of their historic racing days, underlining authenticity for collectors.

Statistically, the 500 series accounts for 100% of both Kurtis Kraft supply and demand in the marketplace, indicating that every listed Kurtis Kraft vehicle is a part of this iconic series. This dominance underscores the series’ singular importance within the brand’s legacy.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Among the 500 series, cars that achieved victory at the Indianapolis 500—especially those with multiple wins—stand out as true rarities. Examples fitted with the NOVI V8 are also particularly sought-after due to their historical significance and technical evolution. Road-legal Kurtis sports cars from the 1950s, built on similar chassis but equipped with American V8s, represent a fascinating, limited-production extension of the brand’s competition DNA.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

Kurtis Kraft 500 cars were engineered to dominate American oval tracks. Most units ran on robust Offenhauser or NOVI engines, delivering competitive horsepower, especially on methanol fuel. Their solid-axle setups, direct steering, and lightweight construction made them precise, nimble, and responsive on the fast corners and straights of the Indy oval. Original period cars often retain mechanical fuel injection and race-tuned gearboxes that demand specialist knowledge for maintenance and tuning. - Kurtis Kraft 500 with Offenhauser 270 DOHC inline-four: celebrated for engine reliability and tuning potential.

• 500 series entries with NOVI V8: notable for technical uniqueness and racing history.
• Road-going Kurtis sports cars: feature American V8s; exemplify the adaptation of race-bred chassis for street and endurance events.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Frank Kurtis’ influence is unmistakable in every detail of the 500. The cars use minimalist race interiors with period-correct gauges (notably the Jones tachometer), exposed shifter linkages, and robust metal surfaces. Many feature original-style Halibrand magnesium wheels and Moon-disc hubcaps. Exteriors are tailored for streamlined performance, with narrow cockpits and hand-finished panels, reflecting the practice-driven priorities of the golden era of Indy racing. Individual cars may sport historic racing liveries, numbers, and colour schemes true to their competition use. Factory-built road cars are often finished with more luxurious materials and features but maintain the purposeful spirit of their racing siblings.

Other Features

Groups like Vintage Indy Cars and Classic Racing Times continue to host events featuring Kurtis Kraft 500s, keeping their competition heritage alive. Many classic car gatherings and historic race series now include separate grids for these machines, attesting to their lasting influence on American motorsport culture.

Summary

The Kurtis Kraft 500 series epitomises American race car engineering from the mid-20th century. Their technical prowess, dominant performance at the Indy 500, and enduring presence in historic racing circles make them a defining force in single-seater motorsport history. For collectors and racing enthusiasts, each Kurtis Kraft 500 is a rolling document of competition, innovation, and craftsmanship.