Kurtis Kraft 4000
Legendary racecar builder Frank Kurtis needs a little introduction. He stood at the forefront of competitive sprint, midget, and Indy car chassis construction in the post-World War II years. The Kurtis Kraft 4000, born in 1951, epitomizes his prowess.
Art Cross
It excelled both on the famed Indianapolis bricks and the dirt tracks of the AAA championship circuit. Approximately 15 units were crafted, showcasing appealing design and robust performance that granted the model remarkable endurance in the swiftly evolving racing landscape.
Indianapolis 500
Chassis 346 etched its name into the annals of the Indianapolis 500 in May 1952 as the Bowes Seal Fast Special, piloted by the soon-to-be-renowned Art Cross. Qualifying 20th at a speed of 135.288 mph, Cross swiftly advanced through the ranks, securing an impressive 5th-place finish.
This stellar performance earned him the distinction of being the Speedway’s inaugural Rookie of the Year, a feat documented in the October 1952 issue of Auto Sport Review.
Over the next decade, the car blazed its trail in competitive racing, sponsored extensively by owner Ray Brady. In the early 1990s, Bill Chapin, the subsequent owner, enlisted Offenhauser expert Ken Hickey for substantial refurbishments, including gearbox and potent methanol-fueled engine reconstruction.
Restoration
Under the stewardship of its owner in 1992, the vehicle underwent a meticulous restoration by Bob Willey, the offspring of an original Kurtis Kraft distributor. Willey’s masterful chassis refurbishment combined harmoniously with Hickey’s precision drivetrain work, resulting in a potent 4000 model. Adorned with the 1952 Bowes Seal Fast Special livery, it radiated authenticity.
Tony Hulman Memorial Cup
The rarity of the chassis and the superlative restoration drew acclaim from esteemed institutions within the collector car domain. Its triumphs included a First in Class distinction at the 1996 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, accompanied by the prestigious Tony Hulman Memorial Cup for Best Open-wheel Racecar, bestowed by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Goodwood Festival of Speed
The car graced the Goodwood Festival of Speed and participated in the vintage pre-race heat at the contemporary Indianapolis 500. Its status as an AACA-certified competition race vehicle further solidifies its credentials.
Racing Heritage
The revered Adderley collection acquired the Bowes Seal Fast Special in 2015. The vehicle is accompanied by valuable accoutrements, including an external aircraft starter and battery cart, Art Cross’ original racing helmet, and an extensive documentation dossier encompasses restoration visuals and a comprehensive race record. A distinguished relic of racing heritage, the Kurtis Kraft 4000 offers abundant prospects for perpetual exhibition and captivating display events.
And is available on RMSothebys on auction starting from $275,000 – $350,000 USD.
