1947 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet

56 Pebble Beach Concours d ’ Elegance: 2012 The Norman Timbs Fantasy Custom: We ’ ve already featured this one in TRJ #48. Long, low and narrow, it was built in 1948 by Norman Timbs who would go on to become chief engineer at Halibrand Engineering. The Timbs Fantasy Custom was just that, its two - piece aluminum body, by Emil Diedt, lifts off to reveal a straight - eight Buick engine, rear - mounted. The Rochester Sports Car: Steve Moal recently restored this car, originally built in 1950 by Emil Diedt for Eddie Anderson, better known as “ Rochester van Jones ” in the popular and long - running Jack Benny TV and radio shows. And while Jack might have had his Maxwell, off the set this sporty and Indy - inspired roadster with its OHV Cadillac power was “ Rochester's ” ride. Th e Templeton - Saturn Mercury Special: Lloyd Templeton built this one back in the '50s, beginning with a 1948 Mercury sedan and using body panels and fenders from a '49 Chevy, a '36 Ford and a 1936 Chrysler, to name a few of the donor cars. A multi - time show winner in its day, Bob Hope regularly drove it around Southern California, supposedly scheduling its appearance in a movie. The Kurtis - Omohundro Comet: This one was designed by none other than Frank Kurtis, he of racecar fame, and built by Paul Omohundro in 1946. The car features a Kurtis chassis with a Ford V8 engine and driveline. Kurtis even approached Ford Motor Company about the possibility of supplying engines to produce a limited run of these specials. Ford declined so only two cars were built. Our good friend, Geoff Hacker of Florida now owns this one. The Rodder ’ s Journal Announcement Concerning the Class of Sport Custom Cars Forthcoming at Pebble Beach, 2012. June 9th, 2012: Distributed via E - mail.