1948 Kurtis Kraft Snook Midget

1948 Kurtis Kraft Snook Midget

This 1948 “Snook Offy” Kurtis-Kraft Midget is one of the world’s most significant midget race cars.  It was born in 1948 in Frank Kurtis’ shop as chassis number 272.  Originally fitted with an Eddie Meyers V8-60, it was sold new to Hanley “Cadillac’ Booth of Oklahoma City.

Through subsequent owners the V8-60 was replaced with a 110 Offenhauser engine.  Dan Ewing was commissioned to fabricate the one off nose and grill. 

In 1954 it was sold to Louis Snook of Charlotte, Texas.  He aggressively campaigned the car to the top of the sport until 1968.  Some of the best and hotgallery.adamsviews.net/artofsteel2015/ drivers in the business were put into the cockpit by Snook.  Drivers included A.J. Foyt, Johnny Rutherford, Don Edmunds and a long list of other well know drivers.

After several subsequent owners, Dr. Jim Kilgore commissioned Nate Ewing to do a full restoration which was completed in 1968.  It then became a part of the Brock Yates Collection and now is a part of the J.C. and Judy O’Steen Collection.

One of the previuos owners provided me with the following addtional information on the car:

Mechanical restoration was mostly complete when I (Dave Clark) purchased the car from Nate in the early 90's. The Ken Hickey motor had been rebuilt about 10yrs before I purchased the car. Wayne Ewing built the nose. I put the car back on the track in grey primer at Latimore Valley Fairgrounds in PA, then ran at vintage meets at Selinsgrove Speedway, Williamsgrove and Loudon NH in 1994. Jim Kilgore purchased the car around 1996. It sat for several years while he battled an illness. Cosmetic restoration was completed during his ownership in the late 90's or early 00's. The car was then sold to Brock Yates at which point the history has been publicly documented incorrectly, most noteably in Vintage Motorsports Magazine and subsequently on the internet. The car does have an incredible history.

Overview
  • Production Year: 1948
  • Manufacturer: Kurtis Kraft
  • Model: Snook Midget
  • Body Style: Midget Racer
Design and Specifications
  • Engine:
    • The Snook Midget typically featured a powerful Offenhauser engine, which was a popular choice for midget racers due to its high performance and reliability.
    • The engine displacement was around 110 cubic inches (1.8 liters).
    • It produced approximately 100-120 horsepower, a significant output for a lightweight midget racer.
  • Transmission:
    • The car was equipped with a 2-speed manual transmission.
    • The gearbox was designed for quick acceleration and high-speed performance on short tracks.
  • Chassis:
    • The chassis was a lightweight tubular frame, providing strength and rigidity while keeping the overall weight low.
    • The short wheelbase and compact design were optimized for agility and handling on tight, oval tracks.
  • Suspension:
    • The front suspension consisted of independent torsion bars, offering improved handling and responsiveness.
    • The rear suspension featured a solid axle with torsion bars, ensuring stability and traction.
  • Brakes:
    • The Snook Midget was equipped with hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels.
    • These brakes provided adequate stopping power for the lightweight, high-speed racer.
Performance
  • Top Speed: The Snook Midget could achieve top speeds of around 90-100 mph (145-160 km/h).
  • Acceleration: The powerful engine and lightweight chassis allowed for rapid acceleration, making it highly competitive in midget racing.
  • Handling: The advanced suspension setup and balanced chassis design provided excellent handling and maneuverability, essential for success on short, oval tracks.
Design Features
  • Bodywork:
    • The body of the Snook Midget was designed with aerodynamics and lightweight construction in mind.
    • It featured a sleek, streamlined shape to minimize drag and enhance speed.
    • The body panels were typically made from aluminum or fiberglass to keep the weight low.
  • Interior:
    • The interior was minimalist, focused on functionality and driver comfort.
    • The driver's seat was a single bucket-style seat, providing support during high-speed turns and bumps.
    • The dashboard included essential gauges and controls, arranged for easy access during races.
  • Styling:
    • The Snook Midget had a classic, aggressive look with bold graphics and sponsor logos.
    • Its distinctive design and racing livery made it a standout on the track and a favorite among fans.
Legacy and Historical Significance
  • Historical Significance:
    • The 1948 Kurtis Kraft Snook Midget represents a key period in American midget car racing, showcasing the technological advancements and competitive spirit of the post-war era.
    • It highlights Frank Kurtis's contributions to motorsport, particularly in midget and open-wheel racing.
  • Racing Success:
    • The Snook Midget was a successful and competitive race car, often dominating midget racing events across the United States.
    • Its performance and reliability made it a favorite among drivers and teams.

Taken at the 2012 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.

You may purchase a print of the 1948 Kurtis Kraft Snook Midget in ourdElegance 2012 online gallery.

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