1951 Muntz Jet
- Engine
- Highly tuned Cadillac V-8
- Colour
- Yellow
The Muntz Jet was a handbuilt American luxury sports convertible developed from a Frank Kurtis design by entrepreneur Earl 'Madman' Muntz, with roughly 190 produced between approximately 1950 and the mid-1950s. This example, chassis number 30, is documented as the first built at the Evanston, Illinois facility and the last fitted with the early Cadillac V-8. Reputedly delivered new to a member of the Pillsbury family, it was later discovered in a Michigan barn, acquired by collector Calvin High, professionally restored, and subsequently shown at major concours events including Hershey and Amelia Island.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$123,200
- → 2017Acquisition unknownCalvin Highpartial documentation
Well-known collector based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; commissioned a professional restoration through Steve Babinsky's shop and exhibited the car at several events during his ownership.
- 2017 →Private saleJohn Shiblespartial documentation
Purchased from Calvin High as a personal transaction between friends; the car was nicknamed 'Buttercup' and regularly shown at concours events, largely driven by his wife Jill's enthusiasm for it.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownPillsbury family memberpartial documentation
Oral tradition suggests the car was originally delivered to someone connected to the Pillsbury baking dynasty; no documentary proof is cited.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownJim Castoropartial documentation
A hobbyist enthusiast who located the vehicle in the 1960s while it was sitting unused in a Michigan barn storage.
Competition
- 2013Elegance at Hershey 2013
Exhibited by Calvin High during his ownership tenure.
- 20202020 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
Shown by Jill Shibles following the car's acquisition by her husband John Shibles.
- 20232023 Sculpture in Motion
Displayed at a Palm Beach, Florida concours event under the Shibles family's ownership.
- —Antique Automobile Club of AmericaAACA National Senior First PrizeSenior First Prize
Won a top national award from the AACA; year of the award is not specified in the prose.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationSteve Babinsky's Automotive Restorations
Comprehensive restoration carried out on behalf of Calvin High following his acquisition of the car.
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