Legendary race car constructor Frank Kurtis built just eight 500 B roadsters at his Glendale, California shop.

A revolutionary advancement over the highly successful 500/500 A, the Offenhauser-powered 500 B had the driveline on the left, helping the car to negotiate the banking at Indianapolis with greater speed than ever before.

The Kurtis Kraft cars were a major force at the 1953 Indianapolis 500—the first seven finishers were all built in that storied shop.

This 500 B, the eighth built, is offered from the noted Bill Akin Collection.

It made its Indianapolis debut in 1953 as the number 53 Pat Clancy Special.

Sporting a gold and red livery, the car was originally piloted by Johnny Mantz, but it failed to find a starting place until Jimmy Davies gave it a try.

At the very end of qualifying, Davies made it into the race with five minutes to spare, earning the 32nd starting spot.

On race day, Davies worked his way up to third by the 70th lap but would suffer brake troubles, ultim...