Vehicle Description
1953 Kaiser Manhattan OUTSTANDING & HIGHLY ORIGINAL SURVIVORRARE
DUNCAN MCRAE/DUTCH DARRIN DESIGNFORMERLY PART OF THE BILL MILLER
COLLECTIONLONG-TERM ORIGINAL OWNERSHIP; JUST 20,400 MILESATTRACTIVE
IVORY & GREEN TWO-TONE FINISH226 CI INLINE-6/AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSIONALL ORIGINAL WOOL & BAMBU VINYL UPHOLSTERYONE OF JUST
4,109 EXAMPLES PRODUCED 1952-55FRESHLY SERVICED, DETAILED & READY
TO COLLECT Formerly part of the Frazer model lines, the Manhattan
nameplate was applied to an upmarket variant of the Kaiser
beginning with the 1952 model year. A highly stylish vehicle, the
Kaiser Manhattan was one of Americas most unique automobiles of the
1950s, penned by Duncan McRae and Howard Dutch Darrin, the
legendary elite designer and coachbuilder of the prewar era. In
addition to its heart-shaped upper windshield, bold Darrin Dip to
each side, and headlamps similar to Buicks XP-300 show car, the
Manhattan featured a wide array of two-tone paint combinations and
stylish interiors trimmed in two-tone cloth and durable Bambu
embossed vinyl, bamboo-patterned material. Powering the Manhattan
was a sturdy Continental Supersonic Six engine displacing 226 CI
and delivering 119 factory-rated horsepower via a 3-speed manual or
4-speed GM Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Fuel economy was
remarkably good and mechanical components were durable and perhaps
overbuilt for family motoring. Advertised when new as one of the
safest cars available, the Manhattans production run was relatively
brief, ending in 1955 after a mild restyling for 1954 and company
founder Henry J. Kaisers abandonment of automobile manufacturing
for a major investment in the Permanente hospital chain, known
today as Kaiser Permanente. Just 4,109 examples of the Manhattan
were produced in all; however, the Manhattan remains a popular and
unusual 1950s collector car today, benefiting nicely from
remarkably strong parts availability and enthusiastic Kaiser-Frazer
club support.Handsomely finished in Ivory over Green two-tone paint
with a matching interior scheme, this 1953 Kaiser Manhattan is a
wonderful example benefiting from long-term original ownership,
followed by inclusion in the noted Bill Miller Collection at just
20K miles. Just 20,399 miles are currently indicated. Refinished in
its original color combination, this Manhattan retains the
all-original interior, upholstery, and trim. Other desirable
highlights include the renowned GM Dual Range Hydra-Matic 4-speed
automatic transmission, plus a retrofitted AM/FM radio. Highly
attractive and benefiting from long-term original ownership and
collector care, this Manhattan is simply a great example of a rare
1950s design. Contact us today for full details and make it yours!
