This is a fabulous and rare piece of American automotive history, a
1952 Kaiser Manhattan four-door sedan. Being a true survivor, this
retains all of its original upholstery, including the 68 year old
rear seat seat covers that were installed by the Kaiser dealer when
delivered new. If this wasn't such a fantastic and dependable tour
car we would want it to be in a museum!! Overall this is a very
solid dependable tour car that has a consistent patina throughout,
making it a No. 3 condition example. We have priced it well at the
Hagerty No 3 value, thus the asking price is firm. The exterior has
an older repaint in the correct two tone colors of Turquoise and
Cerulean Blue. Most of the original paint was removed before the
repaint. The bodywork and paint prep were done well as there are no
real issues evident. And there is very little filler evident from
using our Filler Meter. The paint could benefit from a wet sanding
and polish. The Kaiser is loaded with stainless trim (we think an
entire Toyota could be made from the exterior stainless alone!).
The stainless is in overall good condition with a few small dents
and scratches. The chrome also displays well, but has fine
scratches over much of it. Overall, the exterior is consistent with
a No 3 car. It is a terrific tour car that because of its stunning
design and rarity would be a delight at any car show. And from ten
feet it looks perfect but up close shows that it is a nice original
car with appropriate patina. The interior is a true time capsule.
The upholstery is all original, including what is sure to be a
pristine rear seat under the dealer installed seat covers,
installed over six decades ago. The door panels have water stains
and the front seat with the original fabric has light soiling. The
Turquoise Stockholm cloth would likely benefit from a Woolite
cleaning treatment. The dinosaur reptilian trim is stunning. The
carpet has been replaced, but matches the interior very well. The
stainless used on the interior is in overall good condition with
light scratching evident. The first owner of the Kaiser enjoyed the
car for 54 years. It is believed to have been a rust free southern
car since new. It was formerly owned by its fourth owner, Robert
McAtee from Scottsdale, AZ (whom we've known for three decades).
Robert has driven the car to Kaiser meets in Texas and California.
Mechanically, the Kaiser is in very nice condition. The 226 ci and
115 hp six cylinder Continental (Kaiser Supersonic) engine was
rebuilt in about 2008. The three-speed with overdrive manual
transmission works simply and well. This Kaiser has been very
dependable and performs quite well. It is truly amazing how
effortlessly and silent the car drives down the highway. The ride
is enhanced by its 118.5 in wheelbase and an overall length of 210
inches. This Kaiser has received consistent and thorough
maintenance to make it a reliable tour car. All the major systems
have been gone through and Mr. McAtee has added thousands of miles
during his ownership. The wide white wall tires have been installed
this past year. The brakes were rebuilt along with the carburetor,
along with the replacement of the water and gas pump. The heater
core and gas tank were also replaced. It burns about one quart of
oil per 1,000 miles and earn 16-17 miles per gallon on the highway.
It can be trusted to take you anywhere you'd like to travel to
(assuming you're driving on roads). Everything works well except
the radio. The clock operates much of the time and intermittently
ceases, only to work again. Look at length at the photo gallery
where you'll see the reptile skin vinyl and the turquoise fabric
seats. The Kaiser comes complete with many spare parts, including a
NOS hood ornament, the front hood chrome and many other items. It
also comes with various historical documents, receipts, an original
catalog, etc.. Also included is an original set of keys in an
alligator key fob. With just over 15,800 sedans made, this is an
incredibly rare find. For more information and details call or text
Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or email us at
[email protected]. It is available for inspection in the
Seattle, WA area.
