1952 Muntz Jet

Earl 'Madman' Muntz opened his first used car lot at age 20 and went on to sell over 22,000 Kaiser-Fraser units in a single year — about 14% of the company's total output. He also pioneered affordable television sets and transformed the in-car radio market. His most life-altering venture came when he met Frank Kurtis, bought him out, and created the Muntz Jet — lengthening the wheelbase and adding 13 inches to accommodate a back seat.

This example was discovered in a barn in pieces in September 2009 by a dedicated Pennsylvania collector, who gave it a painstaking body-off-the-frame restoration. Its original Lincoln V-8 motor and Hydramatic were both still intact and rebuilt. Painted in its original color of Colorado Red with Snow White vinyl interior, the steering wheel features the cartoon 'Madman' image in his Napoleon-like costume.

A built-in ice chest in the boot and Dayton chrome wire wheels complete this tribute to one of America's most colorful entrepreneurs. According to the Muntz Registry, fewer than 200 were actually built between 1950 and 1953.