1947 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet

In August of 2023, The Kurtis-Omohundro Comet was shown in the "American Dream Cars of the 1950s" class during the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The class celebrated unique, limited-production cars built by remarkable individuals. These cars were designed and built in garages or local shops, not by big corporations. Photo courtesy of Roy R. Sorenson.

Lost for over fifty years, it was found by the Undiscovered Classics team and subsequently restored. In August of 2023 it was owned by Wayne and Amy Gould of Tucson, Arizona. Photo courtesy of Roy R. Sorenson.

Photo courtesy of Roy R. Sorenson.

Photo courtesy of Roy R. Sorenson.

Photo courtesy of Roy R. Sorenson.

Photo courtesy of Roy R. Sorenson.

Frank Kurtis - American Sports Cars

In 1945, Frank Kurtis, an innovative designer known for his work in the racing and custom car realms, envisioned the Comet. This project represented a partnership with Paul Hardwicke Omohundro Jr., an expert in metal parts fabrication. The Comet, a groundbreaking concept at the time, was designed to fit onto any stock Ford chassis, featuring a lightweight body combining aluminum panels and steel bracing.

Design and Build

The prototype Comet was built on a 112-inch-wheelbase stock 1940 Ford chassis. The aim was to create complete Comet sports roadsters without building a chassis from scratch. The body was a meticulous blend of aesthetics and engineering, significantly reducing weight compared to the original Ford build.

Market Challenges and Production

Despite its innovative design and advanced features, the Comet faced market challenges. Ford's refusal to supply chassis for the Comet led to adjustments in the production strategy. Only two Comet roadsters were built, with the first one powered by a 364-cid, 1948 Cadillac V-8 and the second featuring a 110-hp 1949 Mercury flathead V-8. These cars were not just machines; they were embodiments of early American sports car aspirations.

Legacy and Influence

Although the Comet project was short-lived, its impact on postwar American sports car design was significant. The Comet's aesthetics and engineering principles influenced the later designs of Frank Kurtis. This car, though not widely recognized, served as a vital link in the evolution of American sports cars, paving the way for future designs by Kurtis and others in the industry.

Preservation and Recognition

The Comet's legacy was resurrected through the dedicated efforts of enthusiasts and historians. Its public appearances at prestigious events like the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in recent years have reaffirmed its status as a significant piece of automotive history, highlighting the pioneering vision of Frank Kurtis and Paul Omohundro in the realm of American sports cars​​.

The Goulds

In August of 2023, The Kurtis-Omohundro Comet was shown in the "American Dream Cars of the 1950s" class during the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The class celebrated unique, limited-production cars built by remarkable individuals. These cars were designed and built in garages or local shops, not by big corporations. At the time, it was owned by Wayne and Amy Gould of Tucson, Arizona.