On September 15, 2000, about 1300 hours Pacific daylight time, a Globe Swift GC-1B, N78053, operated by the private pilot/owner was substantially damaged during takeoff at Grass Valley, California. Neither the pilot nor the passenger was injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that he applied full power and the airplane started to accelerate down the runway centerline. Just past the painted numbers on the runway the tail began to raise and the aircraft started to turn to the left. At that time the pilot applied right rudder to correct the left turn. The rudder seemed to have almost no effect on the left turn. The airplane exited the left side of the runway. Subsequently the landing gear collapsed and the airplane came to rest between the runway and taxiway. The wind was reported to be light and variable.