Monogram Kurtis Roadster

[Deleted]

 I have several Kurtis Roadsters by Monogram which I think is a "C" and I want to know how different it is from an "A" model. Is it a doable conversion?

Where would I find some drawings or photos of an "A". I have the Kurtis Masterworks of Speed and Style and various other books on Indy roadsters, but don't even know where to start.

[eagle36]

Pages 126-127, "A Car Spotter's Guide to Kurtis Indianapolis Racing Cars" has your answers. Also look at the drawing on page 108.

[Deleted]

I can't find anywhere to get this book, any ideas?

[Deleted]

Jul 2, 2013 17:40:53 GMT -5 modellwerke said:

 I have several Kurtis Roadsters by Monogram which I think is a "C" and I want to know how different it is from an "A" model. Is it a doable conversion?

Where would I find some drawings or photos of an "A". I have the Kurtis Masterworks of Speed and Style and various other books on Indy roadsters, but don't even know where to start.

Hi ya Mike;

These are group of guys. Ask Tim Jones,(AlawayIndy) this forum. He has great conversion kit to make Kurtis Roadster correct.


Welcome!

Russ

[Deleted]

Hi Russ
That is for the "C", and I actually have some Etzel parts to do that, but this is for Jeff and he wants to make an "A" By the way do you have the aforementioned book or know where I can get a copy?

[harveythedog2]

Maybe Eagle36 meant this book instead.

"Indianapolis racing cars or Frank Kurtis" A Photo Archive.

There are a few on AMAZON for around $25. Here is the caption of what's in the book.

"The definitive book on Kurtis championship cars, showcasing all 111 full-size 'champ' cars that Frank Kurtis built between 1941 and 1963. Most of these cars were built specifically to race at Indianapolis. In fact, Kurtis' cars won the Indianapolis 500 five years out of six (1950-1955), and dominated the starting field from 1950 through 1958. Kurtis pioneered the 'roadster' design, in which the engine was offset in the car, allowing the driver to sit much lower, reducing the height of the car and thus wind resistance. Roadsters were the last front-engine cars before the 1965 rear-engine revolution, and they are remembered with much nostalgia. Also see engineering drawings of the cars as well as dramatic starting field photos and crash photos. An appendix detailing car and engine serial numbers will add to your enjoyment."

[oldphotos]

Frank Kurtis built 4 500A, 3 of the 4 had stock block motors, Chryslers or Dodge V8 so the motors couldn't be off set to the side. the driver was on the left side of the car with the driveshaft down the middle. The 4th car the Auto Shoppers Spl. had an Offy tilted but not off set.
The Fuel Injection Spl. Was classified as a Kurtis 500, no letter it was the only one with the engine off set like all the later Kurtis Roadsters. All 5 of these car had the same suspension set up with Radius rods on the rear and trailing rod on the front.
The best body for this conversion I think would be Rick Faeth of Vintage Indy Resin he does the 53, 54, Fuel Injection Spl. kit it would take some work but the basic body shape is correct, all you would be to move the driver and headrest form the right to the left side.
Hope this helps

OldPhotos

[eagle36]

Jul 3, 2013 7:21:25 GMT -5 harveythedog2 said:

Maybe Eagle36 meant this book instead.

"Indianapolis racing cars or Frank Kurtis" A Photo Archive.

There are a few on AMAZON for around $25. Here is the caption of what's in the book.

"The definitive book on Kurtis championship cars, showcasing all 111 full-size 'champ' cars that Frank Kurtis built between 1941 and 1963. Most of these cars were built specifically to race at Indianapolis. In fact, Kurtis' cars won the Indianapolis 500 five years out of six (1950-1955), and dominated the starting field from 1950 through 1958. Kurtis pioneered the 'roadster' design, in which the engine was offset in the car, allowing the driver to sit much lower, reducing the height of the car and thus wind resistance. Roadsters were the last front-engine cars before the 1965 rear-engine revolution, and they are remembered with much nostalgia. Also see engineering drawings of the cars as well as dramatic starting field photos and crash photos. An appendix detailing car and engine serial numbers will add to your enjoyment."

No, I meant "Kurtis-Kraft Masterworks of Speed and Style", by Gordon Eliot White, which is the book the original poster said he had. Open it up to those pages and there are the answers. . .