Vehicle Description
1 of only 435 produced! Story from the owner:
"The Darrin History
In 2004 my friend, Tom Murray purchased the Darrin from Henry Mead
Kaiser. The Darrin had been stored at Val Strough Chevrolet in
Oakland, Ca and known to both of us. I tried to buy the car from
Tom at that point but his son wanted it. So off to Oregon it went
to be stored for another 10 years. At that time Tom turned 90 and
his son lost interest. Tom asked me if I was interested in buying
it so we made a deal and back to California it came. To re-license
it in California and meet current laws, the engine number 3495286A
(commonly used in the 1950's for licensing) was changed to the cars
actual VIN# 161-1403 which appears on 3 places on the car. The
metal build tag from Willys on the firewall under the hood shows
this number as well as 2 places on the frame. #161-1403 indicates
it is the 403rd of the 435 built.
After cleaning the car up I found bubbles in the paint in places
and had Contra Costa Auto Body sand it completely down and do a
beautiful repaint in Wimbledon White code 9A. It is the closet
color to what Kaiser called Champagne. Next I had Superior
Upholstery match and redo the interior including the dash which
required total removal. I had some of the smaller exterior chrome
pieces rechromed by Johnson Plating. The convertible top is
believed to be original to the car as it is red inside and out. It
works in the landau position only as it has shrunk some due to age.
I didn't replace it as it was original to the car and was in good
shape for its age.
Original 62k mile engine starts and runs well, no knocks and no oil
use. Transmission with overdrive kicks in and out as new. Brakes
were done shortly before I bought the car. I completely rewired the
car with a rewire set from Bob's Wires for Kaisers in Florida.
Recommended by the Darrin group, they are perfect fit in proper
color code and fabric. I removed the instruments dusted and
re-gasketed them as they all work well, even the cigarette lighter.
As I don't smoke I didn't reinstall the ashtray, but it is in a
plastic bag in the trunk. Easy install.
This car never overheats, probably because Kaiser used what looks
like a truck radiator. Good oil pressure, turn signals, lights,
headlamps, clutch, transmission, all work as they should. I had a
(6) spring cover built replacing the original (3) spring
chattersome auburn clutch the car came with and it works very
smoothly.
Putt Georgi makes replacement tops for the Darrin and his info is
in the included information packet. Lastly, Henry Mead Kaiser is
Edgars son and the grandson of Henry J. Kaiser. If it was not for
his financial problems in 2004 he probably would have kept the car
for family history. Copies of ownership history included."
