1953 Kurtis Sorrell SR-100 Roadster

In August of 2023, the roadster 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.

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.

Photo courtesy of Roy R. Sorenson.

Photo courtesy of Roy R. Sorenson.

The 1953 Kurtis Sorrell SR-100 Roadster stands as a remarkable feat in automotive engineering. This prototype, debuted at the 1953 Petersen Motorama, features a distinctive aluminum body crafted by California Metal Shaping and Bob Sorrell.

Chassis and Powertrain

The roadster was built on an Indy 500 Kurtis racing chassis. It was powered by a 302-ci GMC I-6 engine, equipped with a Howard 12 port head and six carburetors, ensuring exceptional performance.

Body and Design

This particular model was unique due to its aluminum body. In contrast, a few later models featured fiberglass shells for cost-efficiency, like the one on the cover of Car Craft October 1955 cover.

Historic Milestone

2023 marked the first public appearance of this automotive gem in 70 years, bringing to light a significant chapter in the history of classic cars. Owned by Mark and Newie Brinker of Houston, Texas, the roadster 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.