Celebrate 75 years of MotorTrend with one of the most iconic cover models in automotive history.
Designed by racecar engineer Frank Kurtis, the 1949 Kurtis Sports Car was a sleek, high-performance roadster powered by a modified 4.0-litre V8. Capable of producing 160 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, this spry sports car brought some legitimate performance credentials to the table back in the day. Predating other American icons like the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Mustang, it featured an innovative steel frame and could be customized to match a buyer’s exact specifications.
Now, Robert Petersen’s popular periodical has teamed up with Mattel marque Matchbox to bring automotive aficionados a miniaturized model of the same car that graced the debut issue of MotorTrend back in September 1949! Shrunken down to 1:64 scale, this meticulous machine makes the scene in a lustrous coat of dark green paint and shiny silver trim. The diecast duplicate rolls on a set of upgraded white wall tires and also features a super smoke-tinted windshield and a dark tan interior that mirrors the one seen on the real-life Kurtis cover model.
It comes housed in an inner blister and decorative outer box designed to replicate the cover of the September 1949 issue of MotorTrend. Thus, whether you decide to set it free or keep it preserved in plastic, this limited edition version of Frank Kurtis’ iconic kit car is sure to look great no matter how it’s displayed!
“Creating this special Matchbox Kurtis diecast reminded us of the legacy that MotorTrend has created through decades of reporting on the car trends that define our industry,” says Brian Benedict, Key Principal Designer at Matchbox. “We’re excited to offer this special collectible with fans and celebrate automotive innovation and excellence with MotorTrend.”
“Petersen could have put any car on the first cover, but he chose the Kurtis because it spoke to future automotive design and cutting-edge trends,” adds Ed Loh, Head of Editorial at MotorTrend. “Bringing the Kurtis to life as a diecast for the world to enjoy is the ultimate way to celebrate MotorTrend’s 75th anniversary.”
Priced at $30 USD and available for pre-order exclusively through the official Mattel Creations website, the Matchbox MotorTrend 1949 Kurtis Sports Car ships out in July!
Have you made space in your garage yet?
