Indianapolis

"500 Brings Foreign and Custom-Built Cars to Town" – In this May 27, 1948 Indianapolis News article, Roger Budrow documents how the excitement surrounding the 500-Mile Race drew not just race teams, but a variety of rare and custom-built cars to the city. Among them was a sleek custom creation by Frank Kurtis on a Buick chassis, as well as foreign exotics like Bentleys, Mercedes convertibles, and French Talbots. Race week turned Indianapolis into a rolling car show, blending high performance with high style.

Jerry Mackenzie's 1925 Ford

Bob Hamke's 1927 Ford

Rudy Makela's 1936 Pontiac of Indianapolis, Indiana. Completed in 1936, the car was restyled by Rudy at Indianapolis Power Hammer Works Inc.

Rudy Makela's 1942 Cadillac convertible of Indianapolis, Indiana. Built by Rudy at Indianapolis Power Hammer Works Inc, the build was started in 1942 and completed in 1950s.

Carroll Horton's 1953 Willys Sedan

An ad for Noble Paint & Body Shop printed in the program for the 1953 Indianapolis Custom Auto Show.

Keeping Midwest History Alive - Click here to check out our official Kustomrama Midwest Division Supporter Merc.

1 Chrome, Customs, and the 500
2 Custom Cars of Indianapolis, Indiana
3 Hot Rods of Indianapolis, Indiana
4 Custom, Body and Paint Shops of Indianapolis, Indiana
5 Custom Car and Hot Rod Shows of Indianapolis, Indiana
6 Custom Car and Hot Rod Clubs of Indianapolis, Indiana
7 Citizens of Indianapolis, Indiana

Chrome, Customs, and the 500

The Indianapolis 500 has long drawn not only top racing talent but also a parade of exotic and custom-built cars to the city. In 1948, The Indianapolis News reported a vibrant mix of foreign and uniquely modified American vehicles cruising the streets during race week. Among the standout customs was a sleek creation brought by Los Angeles-based racing car manufacturer Frank Kurtis. Known for his innovative designs, Kurtis arrived with a custom-built body mounted on a Buick chassis, showcasing the cutting-edge craftsmanship that would help shape American racing and custom car culture. The article also noted other notable vehicles spotted around town, including a British Bentley, a French Talbot, a Mercedes convertible, and an English Lagonda—evidence of the 500's magnetic pull on car enthusiasts and builders from across the globe.^[1]