1952 Muntz Jet

2dr Convertible

8-cyl. 336.7cid/154hp 2bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$92,000*

+2%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph01/2404/2407/24$20k$40k$60k$80kOct 2024
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1951-1954 Muntz Jet stats
Highest sale
$202,950
Lowest sale
$6,000
Most recent sale
$81,200
Sales
32

Photos

35 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1952 Muntz Jet 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
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Model overview

Model description

Frank Kurtis, a famous builder of Indy racecars, decided to build an American equivalent of the Jaguar sports car for the street on a 100-inch wheelbase. The business for these two-seat cars continued from 1949 through 1950, at which time Kurtis chose to sell out to millionaire used car salesman and TV manufacturer Earl William “Madman” Muntz.

Originally, the Muntz Jets were built in California at the same small facility that Kurtis had used, but the Muntz version of the car utilized a 13-inch longer wheelbase for four seats, and a big Cadillac V-8 engine. The bodies were aluminum, which was costly, and cars were essentially hand-built with fiberglass removable tops. Shortly thereafter, Muntz opened a factory in Evanston, added three inches to the wheelbase and substituted a Lincoln V-8 engine due to his friendship with Benson Ford, CEO of Lincoln-Mercury and brother of Henry Ford II. Muntz claimed that 394 were built, while historians say the number was more like 198. Unlike his other business ventures, Muntz lost about $1,000 per car.

The cars were costly at just under $4,500, but could be ordered in many hues, including Mars Red, Lime Mist, Stratosphere Blue with one car custom ordered in bright chartreuse with mahogany planks affixed to the rear deck, like a yacht. Purchasers could order upholstery of alligator, emu, leopard, or snake skin. Wire recorders (this was before tape recorders had been invented) and radio-telephones were also available at extra cost. In the back seat armrests, you could have a cocktail bar built in. By 1953, the base price of the car had increased by $1,000, and Muntz still lost money on every one.

Cocktail bars aside, the cars were seriously fast performers with 0-50 mph attainable in about 6 seconds, and with a Hydramatic automatic transmission, no less. Top speed was as much as 125 mph, significantly faster than many cars then on the road. Options for speed merchants included ¾ race cams, extra carburetion and other speed equipment.

Muntz also added standard seat belts, padded dashboard and ice chest, plus began having the Jets painted in pinks, yellows and purples to garner additional attention. After all, the purpose of these flamboyant cars for the buyers was to be noticed, and most of the cars were sold in Hollywood new. Needless to say, with the performance, looks and panache of the Muntz Jet, not to mention rarity, there is still a following for the cars and they are considered to be highly collectible.

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Common Questions

The value of a 1952 Muntz Jet can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $92,000 for a 1952 Muntz Jet in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1952 Muntz Jet at auction over the last three years was $137,200. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1952 Muntz Jet at auction over the last three years was $137,200. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 1 1952 Muntz Jets sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1952 Muntz Jet was $137,200 on April 23, 2022 by Worldwide Auctioneers.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.

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