In the illustrious realm of automotive design, few figures stand out as boldly as Earl “Madman” Muntz, a maverick with an insatiable appetite for pushing the boundaries of creativity and engineering. Born on January 3, 1914, in Elgin, Illinois, Muntz would go on to leave an indelible mark on the automotive landscape with his avant-garde creations, most notably the Muntz Jet.
From Television Sales to Automotive Ambitions
Before the inception of the Muntz Car Company, Earl Muntz had already made a name for himself in the world of consumer electronics, particularly with his successful ventures in selling Muntz television sets. His knack for innovation and commercial acumen earned him a prominent reputation in the industry, setting the stage for his foray into the automotive realm.
Muntz’s automotive journey began with success in an unexpected arena—used car sales. Operating in both Los Angeles and New York City, Muntz showcased a natural flair for the trade, earning him the moniker of the “world’s largest car dealer.” His stint at Kaiser-Frazer dealerships further solidified his expertise and marked the beginning of a dynamic career.
The Muntz Jet
Crafted from the blueprint of the Kurtis Sport Car (KSC) conceived by the renowned Frank Kurtis, the Muntz Jet became a unique collaboration between engineering brilliance and Muntz’s marketing acumen. Earl “Madman” Muntz purchased the rights to the KSC and took charge of production and promotion, transforming it into what would become the Muntz Jet.
Under the hood, the Muntz Jet was a powerhouse, offering a choice between two robust V8 engines—a 160 hp Cadillac engine or a 160 hp Lincoln engine. The transmission options included the sophisticated General Motors Hydramatic automatic or a three-speed Borg-Warner manual. This amalgamation of power and precision catapulted the Jet into the league of high-performance American cars of its era.
What is a Muntz Jet?
The Muntz Jet wasn’t merely about speed; it was a paragon of luxury. Streamlined and adorned with opulent features, it boasted a padded dashboard and seat belts—innovations that were far from commonplace in the 1950s. The car’s safety features and meticulous craftsmanship set it apart from its contemporaries, solidifying its status as a pioneer in the luxury car segment.
Manufactured in Glendale, California and various location in and around Chicago, Illinois, the Jet faced financial headwinds as Muntz flew from factory to factory in an effort to continue producing his vehicle. Priced at $5,500 in 1953 (equivalent to approximately $51,500 in 2017), each car cost $6,500 to produce. Earl Muntz’s daring venture resulted in a loss of around $400,000. Given the financial setbacks, only 198 Jets ever left the factory between about 1949 and 1954, ending up in the driveways of many prominent drivers. Among the notable owners of new models are Vic Damone, Grace Kelly, Alfred “Lash” LaRue, and Mickey Rooney.
The “Madman” Persona
Renowned automotive journalist Turk Smith once noted that Earl Muntz “made and lost several fortunes” during his dynamic lifetime. Muntz’s life was marked by financial highs and lows, creating a narrative of resilience and adaptability that would come to define both the man and his ventures.
Muntz’s personal life mirrored the unconventional nature of his professional pursuits. A man of diverse experiences, he ventured into the institution of marriage not once, but seven times. His personal relationships, much like his career, added a layer of complexity to the larger-than-life persona that surrounded “Madman” Muntz.
Earl Muntz’s Final Chapter
As the curtain fell on Earl “Madman” Muntz’s extraordinary life, the legacy of a true innovator endured. In the twilight of his years, battling lung cancer, Muntz pivoted his retail empire toward the burgeoning world of technology. His ventures into cellular phones, satellite dishes, and the unique motorhome rental business, christened “Muntz Motor Mansions,” showcased his innate ability to adapt and embrace the forefront of technological progress.
In a characteristic display of audacity, Muntz made headlines in 1985 by becoming the first retailer to offer a Hitachi cellular phone for less than $1,000—a groundbreaking move in an era when such devices were often priced astronomically. At the time of his passing in 1987, Muntz had cemented his status as the leading retailer of cellular phones in Los Angeles, a fitting testament to his enduring entrepreneurial spirit.
In his final years, Muntz continued to defy convention, driving a customized Lincoln Continental complete with a dashboard-installed television, humorously claiming it enhanced his driving skills. Even in his last days, he remained a symbol of irreverence and ingenuity. Muntz passed away due to lung cancer on June 21, 1987.
