Californian Frank Kurtis made significant marks in the auto racing world during the 1940s and '50s. Twenty four of the thirty three starters for the 1952 Indy 500 were Kurtis chassis! In 1953, Kurtis began producing 500S, the 500KK and the 500M, all based on the 1953 Indy roadster frame and parts. The 500KK models were special order customer cars that were delivered in various stages of completion. A customer could order a bare chassis to a completed car with any available power plant and transmission.

 

The body was made of fiberglass with plywood re-enforcing by Jim Byers, an L.A. boat builder. This is one of only three bodies he produced for a 91 inch wheelbase.

 

MKK55 was commissioned by Steve Salem of Los Angeles to compete in the Carrera Pan America race but was not completed in time for the 1954 race and the '55 race was canceled. The car competed in sports car and drag racing events from 1955 to 1962, finding its way to Texas in the 1970s. The engine is a 1954 De Soto, 291 CID, Hemi Fire Dome V-8 developing an estimated 275 HP.  ---John Furlow