During 1948–1949, California-based constructor Frank Kurtis built a total of 13 KK2000 chassis and sold them to customers demanding a proven, high-quality AAA racing car.

One such customer was Constance George “Babe” Tuffanelli, the Sicilian-born gangster, who rose through the ranks to become a lieutenant in Al Capone’s Chicago organization. Tuffanelli entered the racing arena in 1947 when he took over management of Raceway Park, a popular quarter-mile dirt track. In 1948, he teamed up with Charles Pritchard and purchased four Kurtis-Kraft racing cars – one Offy-powered KK2000 and three Offy-engined Midgets. For 1949, Tuffanelli acquired two additional KK2000s, into which he installed Offy 270 engines. Together, these cars were raced under the “Tuffy’s Offy” banner through 1952.

This car, chassis 324A, is one of the KK2000s that Tuffanelli purchased in 1949, which competed in 12 AAA races that year with driver Paul Russo. Season highlights included an 8th Place finish at the Indianapolis 500 and 2nd Place at Syracuse. With these successes, Russo placed 7th in the 1949 AAA Championship standings. For the 1950 season, the Kurtis was entered in 10 AAA races with driver Mack Hellings. Once again, it participated in the Indianapolis 500, finishing 13th.

In 1951, Tuffanelli sold 324A to Joe Hunt of Hunt Magneto fame. When entered as the Joe Hunt Magneto Special, driven by Bayliss Levrett, the KK2000 failed to qualify for the 1951 Indianapolis 500. The Kurtis was not raced again until 1953 when Al Rogers drove it to a 3rd Place finish at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, with a time of 15 minutes, 27 seconds.

Hunt’s Kurtis returned to Pikes Peak in 1954, where Keith Andrews drove it to an outright win and set a record run of 14 minutes, 39.7 seconds – the first time in the event’s history that a car finished in less than 15 minutes. Hunt and Andrews entered the Kurtis at Pikes Peak in 1955 and 1956, but finished in 6th and 8th place, respectively. The KK2000 also raced in various AAA and USAC events through 1958.

Joe Hunt kept the Pikes Peak-winning Kurtis in his personal collection until his death in 1985, whereupon ownership transferred to his son Tommy, a former United States Auto Club vice president. The current owner acquired the KK2000 from Tommy Hunt in 1998. He reports that he purchased the Kurtis in unrestored condition, with its original chassis, body panels, and suspension components intact. Eager to return the car to its former glory, he sourced an original 270 Offenhauser, reconditioned by expert Eddie Bowie.

Under the consignor’s ownership, the Kurtis was painstakingly restored to its Pikes Peak-winning specification. During the process, a proper four-speed gearbox was fitted, along with a Schroeder steering box, Champ quick change, Halibrand disc brakes, and International Harvester front spindles. The bodywork was painted and lettered by a specialist to match its 1954 configuration and colors. The cockpit was upholstered in red leather and outfitted with a Bell steering wheel, Jones tachometer, and NOS WWII instruments to complete the stunning, period-correct appearance of this historic American racing machine.

*Please note that this vehicle is sold on a Bill of Sale.