Vehicle Description
In the bustling years after World War II, American manufacturers
quickly saw the value in adding a sports car to the regular lineup.
Sports cars were gaining in popularity rapidly, but none of
Americas automakers had the time or resources to develop a ground
up car to complete with the ever-increasing number of European
invaders. Ford and GM started work on their own ideas of a sports
car, based on existing passenger car platforms. Performance seemed
to take a back seat to style, as these new cars were meant more as
image-enhancers to boost showroom traffic. In the early 1950s, the
famed industrial designer Howard "Dutch" Darrin, who had to
previously been employed by Kaiser, now operated out of his own
showroom in LA, where he took it upon himself to design a sports
car for the Kaiser Corporation based on the compact Henry J.
chassis. He invited top company brass to view the car but instead
got a rather brusque response from Henry Kaiser himself, who
informed Darrin that Kaiser was in the family car business, NOT the
sports car business. But Darrin persisted and finally a meeting was
set. Upon seeing the car for the first time, it was actually Henry
Kaiser's wife who insisted the car go in to production. Mrs. Kaiser
got her way and the first prototype appeared at the New York Auto
Show in 1953, just beating Chevrolet's Corvette to become America's
first fiberglass production sports car. Beyond the sweeping profile
and heart-shaped grille, the Kaiser-Darrin 161 was most famous for
its innovative pocket doors that disappeared into the front fenders
on sliding tracks. Construction of the fiberglass bodies was
outsourced to Glaspar of California, who had previous experience
with making a sporty car under their own name. Power was courtesy
of the Hurricane F-head inline six producing about 90 horsepower.
Unfortunately, Kaiser Motors Corporation could not compete against
the marketing might of GM and Ford, and after just 435 Darrins were
built (all sold as 1954 models), Kaiser dropped out of passenger
car production altogether. But the story did not end there as Dutch
Darrin was able to procure a handful of late production models that
were left unsold at Kaiser's Willow Run factory. He brought the
cars to his Los Angeles showroom where they were refurbished, where
some were modified with V8 engines and sold as the Darrin Sports
Car. Our featured Kaiser-Darrin, chassis number 161-1389, is an
exquisitely presented example that features a number of rare
options. There are some experts that believe this car to be one of
the few cars sold through Dutch Darrin's own showroom, though
conclusive evidence is lacking thanks to limited records. Finished
in original Yellow Satin with a white interior, this outstanding
Darrin has been treated to a full restoration to concours standards
in 2014 by Dan Green Restorations of Salt Lake City, Utah and
presents in stunning condition today. It features an extremely rare
optional removable hard top, as well as a centrifugal supercharger
on the "Hurricane" F-head inline six, both of which were
accessories that Darrin offered through his Los Angles dealership.
The quality of the restoration is first rate and the car presents
in striking order with impeccable paint, chrome and detailing,
looking fabulous with the hard top in place and fitted with cool
period-correct accessory wheel covers. While undergoing
restoration, numerous original date markings and stamps confirm
this is a highly original, late-production body. The calling card
of the Kaiser-Darrin is of course those unique forward-sliding
pocket doors, which function properly on this car, revealing a
beautifully restored interior. Part of the design brief by Darrin
was that the interior would remain simple and elegant, not to
overpower the purity of the body design. This car's off-white
upholstery complements the soft yellow paintwork, while new black
carpets provide some contrast. The instrument panel is finished in
body color fiberglass, with an upholstered pad covering the rest of
the dash as original. Instruments, switches and controls have all
been restored to a high standard, and the interior still appears
very fresh in the time since the restoration was completed. Beneath
the very rare matching hard top is a folding soft top in white
vinyl, as original. Lifting the hood reveals Kaiser's robust but
somewhat curious "F-Head" inline six. The engine is fully detailed
to a very high standard, and presented with correct colors, labels
and fittings. As a passenger car engine, the Hurricane six was
strong, reliable and reasonably efficient. But in standard form it
lacked a bit of grunt for sports car duty, with just 90 horsepower
on tap from 161 cubic inches. In an effort to improve performance
in an increasingly competitive market, Dutch Darrin offered buyers
an optional supercharger, which was originally developed for the
four-door Kaiser Manhattan, which boosted output to nearly 140 hp.
This car features that rare and desirable blower, complete with the
unique "Darrin" script cast intake plenum. The engine mates to a
three speed manual transmission with overdrive. The sale will
include an original owner's manual, photos documenting the
restoration, period literature, historical documentation and a set
of original and important two-piece Kaiser-Darrin wire wheel
covers. Without a doubt one of the best Kaiser Darrins available,
car number 1389 benefits from long-term care in a major collection
of important automobiles. It has been expertly restored with little
regard to cost, and remains fresh and ready for enjoyment in any
number of concours events or out on the road where the truly unique
style and character can be appreciated by all.
