1952 MUNTZ
Taking pictures of old cars gets a bit repetitive: Lots of Chevy and Ford iron with the occasional Nash or Olds to spice things up. But during my visit to Grants Pass last month, I was taken aback by a very modern, truly lovely sports car. It was topless (only removable hardtops were made) and defied my sleuthing skills to figure out what it was without reading the sandwich board.
1951 Muntz
I had found a car I have never heard of; the Muntz. Only about 400 were made and 39 or so are believed to exist today. My luck to capture a few shots and your luck to have found them here. Tell me what you know or think about this beauty.
Here’s what the collectors say: “Earl “Madman” Muntz was a former big scale used car dealer who turned to manufacturing TV sets in the post-World War II bonanza years. But he had seen a custom 1941 Buick Frank Kurtis had built; he wanted to buy it in 1949. Instead he ended up buying Kurtis’ fledgling sports car, the KURTIS 500, lock, stock, and barrel. Kurits, who was literally up to his neck in race-car building (his cars won Indy six consecutive times from 1950 through 1956), and he was worried about competition from the Jaguar XK120, which was cheaper, had dual overhead cams and the European mystique. Muntz moved the production to Evansville, Indiana, streched the car out about a foot, enlarged the passenger compartment for four passengers, and installed Lincoln or Cadillac V8 engines. Production ceased in the mid-50’s and Muntz reportedly said he lost money on every car sold.”
ROSEBURG GRAFFITI EVENT–HOTRODS AND MORE
Roseburg Graffiti - 2008
The Old car Gods were shining on Southern Oregon this month; two car events, one in Roseburg and one in Grants Pass made for some interesting pictures, new friends and great gawking. (visit Old Cars Never Die for a slide show.)
Cruisin'
I found out about the event at 4:30 on Friday. By five, I was on the road, camera packed with toothbrush and pillow stashed in the trunk. Three hours later, I found a room at the Travel Lodge right on one of the main drags. The accommodations were comfortable and the place was jammed with car enthusiasts. We watched the unintentional parade from the Motel driveway, some people having the foresight to bring canvas chairs.
Graffiti Day Cruise
Muscle cars made noise and the hot rods quivered with envy. I saw few restorations, but many people were in for the night. I discovered most of the restorations were trailered to Roseburg while the hotrods and muscle cars drove no matter how distant their home base. One of the few remaining drive-ins was reputed to have a throng of ’50s cars.
The Show and Shine was the highlight for me. To get to know the owners, to take a few pictures using the tripod (monopod), to admire and get up close and personal is my idea of time well spent. But, it was a very hot day in Roseburg. Fortunately, I found shade and a perch with Ray Johnson.
Ray’s ‘51 Chevy is a White masterpiece. He did all the metal work himself. I asked him if he was a metalsmith, he replied, “I am now.” Notice the dropped cab on this truck. He lowered the door.
So many great examples of backyard workmanship, sometimes unidentified. These Chevy trucks may also be a 50-51 but are customized so I am unsure…the bed is lowered on one. No mistaking that grill, however.
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