Earl "Madman" Muntz, television manufacturing pioneer, became the
world's largest used car dealer during World War II - offering top
dollar to midwestern soldiers willing to drive their cars to
California to sell. In 1949, Muntz became a multi-unit Kaiser
dealer, and the following year, he decided to build his own car:
the Muntz Jet. He acquired the Frank Kurtis Company and expanded
the two-seat Kurtis Sport Car into a four-passenger luxury
automobile.
Equipped with an ice chest and liquor cabinet in the rear armrests,
the Muntz Jet incorporated many elements of novel and elegant
design. The dashboard even featured aircraft-like Stewart Warner
instrumentation. Powered by a Cadillac (later, Lincoln) V-8 engine
and wrapped in bespoke coupe styling, the Muntz Jet attracted
ownership by various Hollywood celebrities, including Clara Bow,
Grace Kelly, and Mickey Rooney.
This 1952 Muntz Jet (Chassis number M-130) is the 30th out of just
198 cars produced by the Muntz Car Company between 1951 and 1954.
Often recognized as the first high-performance personal luxury car
built in America, the Muntz Jet could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph
in 8.6 seconds thanks to its potent Cadillac V8 engine and
lightweight bodywork. M-130 was initially purchased by the
Pillsbury family and later discovered in Michigan. The Muntz Jet
was available in a variety of vibrant colors, including the
Buttercup Yellow worn by this example. The car benefits from recent
service, including the replacement of all wheel cylinders and fluid
changes. It is accompanied by numerous service records, historic
ownership information, and vintage printed materials that featured
the Muntz Jet when it was originally released.
Vehicle Details
1952 Muntz Jet
Listing ID:CC-1997150
Price:$125,900
Location:Costa Mesa, California
Year:1952
Make:Muntz
Model:Jet
Exterior Color:Yellow
Interior Color:Yellow Leather
Transmission:Automatic
Odometer:452
Stock Number:202505
VIN:M130
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