Vehicle Description
1951 Kaiser Henry J
What's in a name? For Cordelia Maxwell Bell, that was a $5,200,000
question. The Berkeley, California widow, who held 200 shares in
the automobile company started by Henry J. Kaiser after World War
II, sued the company for that tidy sum in a complaint over how it
named its entry-level car. The hefty lawsuit contrasted with the
low price of the controversial new car, dubbed the "Henry J," which
promised to be a first-time new automobile for millions of
Americans hungry for wheels after World War II. "The name is so
ridiculous that it can be justified on no other ground than to
satisfy a deep ingrained megalomaniac desire for personal
publicity," read Mrs. Bell's complaint, which went on to disparage
the well-publicized naming contest that had resulted in the
moniker.
For consignment a low mile, restored in 2002, original Henry J from
its second year of production, 1951. A respray of black, a nice
interior, and all the fixings of the quirky design, it was named
fashion car of the year in 1950 . This car has been through several
hands. Our consigner's fascination with it began when he was 8
years old and accompanied his father who was an electrician and was
wiring a Kaiser dealer at night. Our young man had the run of the
place and would climb in and out of the cars, and never forgot that
moment, eventually owning 2 Kaisers and a Willys.
Exterior
Looking at the car in person it is truly a small compact car. With
its Washington Capitol-esque profiled grille complete with center
spear, dual driving and turn signal lights and large chrome bezel
single front headlights. A nice big bumper hang below and lest we
forget the script Henry J badge on the driver's side front of the
bulbous hood. This hood runs rearward to a chrome framed split
windshield, boxy steel doors and a rear quarter that has some fin
to brag about. From the rear I cannot help but visualize a swimming
manta ray with its wings (fins) in a tilted upright position, ready
to plunge them downward the leave us in a cloud of sea and sand.
These flank a simple round protruding taillight on either side of a
trunk which is merely a panel, it does not open up (cost saving
measure). Noted is the swept downward peaked rear window, which was
done this way for added rigidity. Chrome K for Kaiser dog dishes
covered by wide whites are on all 4 corners.
Interior
Kaiser is known for its creative license in the use of various
vinyl's and patterns, and this cars interior is no exception with
those liberties. Dark brown faux dragon skins cover the door
panels. This is taken inside for the bolsters of the seats on the
front split bench and rear bench. Inserts are a checked tweed like
pattern in tan vinyl. A very utilitarian dash in black with a lower
tan highlight houses a rectangular single speedo and gauge cluster
arrangement. Black metal abounds on this dash, which is peppered
with bakelite knobs and pulls, a gold heater and the script Henry J
badge on the glovebox, but there is no glovebox...remember cost
saving. The headliner is original and is original with some rips
near the window surrounds and pillar covering areas.
Drivetrain
Dubbed the Willys Hurricane F Engine a 134ci Inline 6-cylinder,
which is original to this car sits within a clean and restored
engine bay, which also shows some nice patina here and there. This
is topped by a Carter YF832S 1-barrel carburetor, and back by a
3-speed manual transmission, as well as a 4.10 geared rear
axle.
Undercarriage
The beneficiary of a frame off restoration is when the frame can be
removed, and all attended to then put back together and all is
right with the world. This is the case underneath with no rust,
black and sturdy framing, independent coil spring front, and leaf
spring rear suspension. 4-wheel drum brakes are all around.
Drive-Ability
After a bit of a warmup she finally gave way and ran near
perfectly. The transmission shifted smoothly, although one needs to
not rush the shifter to the next gear as it may bind a bit. Smooth
acceleration which will not attain breakneck speed, but then it
does not try to do so. Brakes were really grabby, and pulled just a
bit to either side, although mainly the left. A good smooth drive
to sum it up.
A very interesting great shape and fine running piece of automotive
history preserved thanks to a young boy who accompanied his working
father to a Kaiser dealership, and earned an early fascination with
the cars. Typical creative use of textures on the interior and an
early mid 50's finned design, all with a mere 24,000 miles since
the restoration in 2002 when the odometer was reset to zero. If you
want attention, this car will be like a magnet for it.
VIN Decode
K514005598
K-Kaiser
51-1951
4-2 Door
005598-Sequential Unit Number
Body Tag Decode
Willow Run Michigan
MODEL: 514
BODY: 4 (2 door)
PAINT: Blue Satin
TRIM:
DR - Delivery Route Code: Lower 48 States
TR - Transmission Code 2: 3 Speed Manual
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
