Frank Kurtis, a Leading Builder of Indy Cars, Dies in Glendale at 79

Frank Kurtis, 79, one of the most successful Indy car builders in history, died Tuesday night at his home in Glendale of complications following a heart attack.

Kurtis built the winning car in five of six Indianapolis 500-mile races, starting with Johnnie Parsons in 1950. Parsons and Lee Wallard, who won in 1951, drove dirt-track cars. In 1952, Kurtis introduced the roadster and Bill Vukovich was in the lead with it when the steering failed nine laps from the finish causing him to hit the wall, allowing Troy Ruttman to take the victory. In the 1953 race, 24 of the 33 cars in the race were Kurtis roadsters. Vukovich won and Kurtis’ cars finished first through 13th. His other winning cars were driven by Vukovich again in 1954 and Bob Sweikert in 1955.

He also built more than 500 midget racers during the sport’s heyday in the late ‘40s. Friends estimate that Kurtis built 1,500 race cars of all types.

He was elected to the Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1983.

Survivors include his wife, Edith, son Arlen of Bakersfield, daughter Ellona of Glendale, seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, four sisters and a brother.

A rosary will be said tonight at 7 p.m. at the Woods Glendale Mortuary, 511 S. Central Ave., Glendale. There will be a funeral Mass Friday at 9 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church of Glendale.