Lot 181

1950 Kurtis-Kraft Sports Racer

From the Mitchell Rasansky Collection

SOLD $42,000

Estimate

$40,000 - $60,000| Without Reserve

Chassis

X75

Engine

246

Car Highlights

Restored to Concours Condition by Motor Sports Specialist Bob Willey

Powered by Legendary Offenhauser Racing Engine

Displayed at the Dallas Concours d’Elegance

A Striking Example from the Golden Era of American Midget Racing

Correctly Finished in Ivory White with Red Scallops and Gold-Leaf Livery

Technical Specs

110 CID Offenhauser DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine

Twin Riley Sidedraft Carburetors

Estimated 100 BHP at 6,000 RPM

In-Out Direct Drive Transmission

4-Wheel Drum Brakes

Front Tubular Axle with Transverse Leaf-Spring Suspension

Rear Halibrand Quick-Change Axle with Houdaille-Style Shock Absorbers

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During the Great Depression and in the years following WWII, American midget racing became a national obsession. Across county fairgrounds and city speedways, open-wheel racers tore through dirt and pavement oval tracks. These cars were the machines of legends, and no name looms larger in the golden age of midget racing than Kurtis-Kraft.

This 1950 Kurtis-Kraft Midget Racer is an authentic example of Frank Kurtis’ renowned craftsmanship, a builder whose dominance in Midgets, Sprint Cars, and IndyCars reshaped American racing. Purchased in 1990 by Mitchell Rasansky, this car was entrusted to motor sports specialist Bob Willey of Moline, Illinois, for a concours-quality restoration. Notably, Willey is the son of an original Kurtis-Kraft distributor, lending the project both historical insight and mechanical integrity. Restored in period-correct ivory white livery with red scallops, the No. 75 and “Dalton Offy” are proudly lettered across its nose in engine-turned gold leaf, and the driver seat is trimmed with pleated red upholstery.

Powering this Midget Racer is the legendary 110 cid Offenhauser DOHC inline-four engine paired with twin Riley sidedraft carburetors, a powerplant that dominated midget racing of the era. Power routes through a direct in-out gearbox to a Halibrand quick-change rear end. Whether destined for a concours lawn or race paddock, this Kurtis-Kraft Midget Racer offers a rare opportunity to own a tangible piece of American racing heritage.

*Please note that this vehicle is sold on a Bill of Sale.

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