This is the 1953 Kurtis-Sorrell SR-100 Roadster, an eccentric and very exciting car that features an aluminum body constructed by a custom metal aluminum fabrication shop known as California Metal Shaping. This work of art was first ever shown publicly in 1953 at Robert E. Petersen‘s ‘Motorama’ show of 1953. Petersen is proudly remembered for the foundation of the @petersenmuseum in 1994, as well as the creation of numerous automotive publications such as Car Craft, Rod & Custom, Sports Car Graphic, Hot Rod magazine and Motor Trend. Not to be confused with General Motors Motorama show of 1949-1961, Petersen’s show showcased hot rods, customs, race cars, fiberglass cars, concepts and more, and was first ever launched in 1950. General Motors originally named their first show the ‘Transportation Unlimited Autorama’ in the year 1949, and by 1953, they too adopted the ‘Motorama’ name. For 1954, Petersen’s show became known as the ‘International Motor Revue’, and the Motorama name was used by Petersen one final time in 1966 for an event called the ‘International Motorama’. In total, the highly-skilled automotive designer, fabricator, and sports car body specialist Bob Sorrell of Sorrell Engineering designed and worked with California Metal Shaping to build a total of 8 SR-100 bodies, of which 7 were built in fiberglass and just this sole example being aluminum-bodied. This one-off was constructed on a Kurtis Kraft 500KK Indy racing chassis (number M KK 40). Some other eye-catching elements include magnesium Halibrand kidney bean wheels, and a Quick Change rear end. This car was hidden away until making a miraculous re-appearance during the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 70 years later. With the master craftmanship of @nereperfection, who meticulously restored this elegant vehicle over the course of approximately 10 months, the car was successfully the class winner of American Dream Cars of the 1950’s!
How many made? 8 bodies, this being the only aluminum body built
Engine: 302-ci GMC I-6
Debut: 1953 Petersen Motorama
Top Speed: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Photo Credit: @mbaum01
Research: @rarecarsonly
1953 Kurtis-Sorrell SR-100 Roadster
03.09.2024
Kurtis Kraft