1953 Muntz Jet

This 1953 Muntz Jet is a beautifully restored, Concours award-winning, boutique built convertible that is extremely rare and highly collectible. The background story behind the Earl Madman Muntzs Jet automobile is extremely interesting. The beginning of Muntzs vehicle manufacturing operation originated from Earl Muntzs desire to build and sell an automobile. In order to get his auto manufacturer off the ground, Madman Muntz purchased another automaker, Kurtis, out of Glendale, California. Named after owner and legendary Indy Car builder Frank Kurtis, the Kurtis Sports Car was a low production 2 door, 2 seater roadster built with performance in mind. However, Kurtis was only able to build a a measly 36 cars and sold his outfit to Muntz for the sum of $200,000. Differentiating Muntzs version from the original Kurtis design was the addition of a backseat which was accomplished by adding approximately one and a half feet to the cars wheelbase. In addition the early Muntz Jets were hardtops, unlike Kurtiss original roadster design. To compensate for the extra weight, Muntz initially swapped out Kurtiss souped-up Ford Flathead for Cadillacs 331 Overhead Valve V8 that produced 160 horsepower. After squaring away the engineering and design side of the Muntz Jet, the Madman went off to sell his eponymous personal-luxury car for $5,000. However, the whopping price tag scared off potential buyers despite Muntzs impressive ability to sell products to consumers. Later on, the Cadillac V8 was substituted a Lincoln-sourced V8, after Muntz was reportedly cut-off by Cadillac, likely due to his inability to meet his payment obligations. Additionally, in an attempt to get the Jets MSRP down under $5,000, Muntz replaced the hardtop with a removable Carson top, a change that did achieve the goal but just barely. Despite the innovative look and design of the Muntz Jet, the car was a sales flop for Madman Muntz who was losing thousands of dollars from his eponymous automaker and some even said that Muntz lost over $1,000 on every car he sold. Muntz was a much better showman than a record-keeper so production figures of the Muntz Jet are fuzzy, but most peg total production from 1951-1954 at 394 units, of which 136 were built in the final two years, which makes this particular Jet quite a rare piece of automotive history. This 53 Muntz was also recently awarded Best In Class at the 2024 10,000 Lakes Concours DElegance further reinforcing its fantastic quality, rarity, and desirability. Powering this Muntz Jet is a Lincoln 317.5 Cubic Inch OHV V8 engine fed by a Holley Single 2 Barrel carburetor. The Lincoln V8 is mated to an automatic transmission which makes this rare 50s classic convertible an easy car for anybody to drive. Exhaust exits the Lincoln Y-Block via a dual exhaust setup that generates a nice throaty rumble out of the rear tailpipes. The original single master cylinder has been upgraded to a dual master cylinder with power brakes setup which makes bringing this Muntz Jet to a complete stop much easier. With a pair of chrome outside mirrors, squeezing this 53 Muntz into a tight space at the local car show is a much more simple maneuver. A duo of outside chrome spotlights are another nice touch from the period, and will help you find a street address late at night. The white vinyl Carson removable convertible top is in fantastic shape and it is outfitted with a clear plastic rear window. The exterior chrome and brightwork shows great as well and elevates the exterior look of the car. Riding on a set of wide whitewall bias-ply tires with chrome wire wheelcovers, this 1953 Jet has a great look whether youre cruising down the road or youve got this rare convertible parked in your garage. The exterior of this Muntz Jet has been refinished in a beautiful Colorado Red paint that completes the gorgeous exterior appearance of the car. The interior of this 1953 Muntz Jet is stunning! The front bucket seats, center console, rear bench seats and rear armrests have been reupholstered in beautiful Ivory vinyl that provides a wonderful contrast to the exterior of the car. The matching Ivory upholstered door panels with integrated ashtrays, black carpeting, black and ivory padded dash, and steering wheel all appear to be in fantastic condition as well and retain a nice stock appearance. The engine-turned trimmed instrument cluster is equipped with Stewart Warner gauges including a 160 MPH speedometer, 6,000 RPM tachometer, amp gauge, oil temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, a pair of engine temperature gauges, and fuel gauge. A retro-style Custom Autosound AM/FM/CD entertainment system is integrated into the center console and completes the interior look of the car. Whether youre adding to your existing collection of classic cars or youre buying your very first one, this 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingsons a call today at 763-428-7337!