Indianapolis Racing Cars of Frank Kurtis

Book excerpt: The definitive book on Kurtis championship cars, showcasing all 111 full-size ''champ'' cars that Frank Kurtis built between 1941 and 1963. Most of these cars were built specifically to race at Indianapolis. In fact, Kurtis' cars won the Indianapolis 500 five years out of six (1950-1955), and dominated the starting field from 1950 through 1958. Kurtis pioneered the ''roadster'' design, in which the engine was offset in the car, allowing the driver to sit much lower, reducing the height of the car and thus wind resistance. Roadsters were the last front-engine cars before the 1965 rear-engine revolution, and they are remembered with much nostalgia. Also see engineering drawings of the cars as well as dramatic starting field photos and crash photos. An appendix detailing car and engine serial numbers will add to your enjoyment.