Vehicle Description
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" Muntz's Jet automobile is extremely interesting. The
beginning of Muntz's vehicle manufacturing operation originated
from Earl Muntz's 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 Muntz's 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 car's wheelbase. In
addition the early Muntz Jets were hardtops, unlike Kurtis's
original roadster design. To compensate for the extra weight, Muntz
initially swapped out Kurtis's souped-up Ford Flathead for
Cadillac's 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 Muntz's 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 Jet's 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
D'Elegance 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
you're cruising down the road or you've 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 you're adding to
your existing collection of classic cars or you're buying your very
first one, this 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible would make an excellent
choice. Give Ellingson's a call today at 763-428-7337!
*317.5 Cu. In. Lincoln V8
*Holley Single 2 Barrel Carburetor
*Automatic Transmission
*Dual Chrome Outside Spotlights
*Wide Whitewall Tires w/ Wire Wheelcovers
*Upgraded Power Brakes
*1 of 136 Produced
*Colorado Red Exterior
*Ivory Vinyl Bucket Seats w/ Console
*Ivory Vinyl Removable "Carson" Top
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 38,719 Miles
