Only 435 ever built total and this is one of the best! Fresh nut
and bolt body off frame restoration. Its most notable features are
the pocket doors that slide into the fenders and the 3 position
landau top.
The 1950s was an exciting time for automotive development. The
Kaiser-Frazer brand was facing serious financial struggles. With
the help of the famous designer: Howard Darrin, a revolutionary
sports car was launched in an attempt to save the failing car
company. Unveiled at the 1952 Motorama it was the first fiberglass
American sports car, beating the Corvette. Although the Corvette
did beat the Kaiser into production. Darrin set out to create an
elegant European style American Roadster. The car had a gradual
sloping bodyline that takes a dramatic turn upward, known as the
Darrin dip. The car ended up costing much more than expected the
company pulled the plug after just 335 cars were shipped. Darrin
purchased the last 100 cars in various assembly stages. He finished
them and sold them at his own LA dealership. It was the last car to
carry the Kaiser name, the company then focused on their profitable
model: the Willys-Jeep.
The highest known sale of one of these is $220,000. Haggerty gives
it a #1 value of $174,000. This car is really priced right, a
fantastic investment.
EXTERIOR: Very unique design, especially the sliding doors. It has
a disappearing top and a grill that looks like its puckered up for
a kiss! The body is pristine! It is straight, no damage or repairs
showing. The gaps are precise. The paint is polished like white
glass. The chrome has been restored, show chrome on the bumpers.
Optional wire wheel hubcaps are mint. Reproduction whitewalls still
have the nubs on the tread. Windshield is crystal clear. Another
very unique feature is the convertible top. It has 3 positions-
down, 3/4 or fully up. It has been completely restored and the top
looks great in red with chrome landau bars.
INTERIOR: Very sporty bolstered bucket seats and sunken footwells.
It is completely restored. The factory gauges have little visors
over each including the tachometer.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: Restored to factory new. Inline 6 cylinder
Hurricane is 161 cubic inches and makes 90 hp. The chrome was
replated, every painted surface is mint. It has correct plug wires,
washer fluid bag, stickers etc. The components were rebuilt, wiring
harness was replaced.
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: It is fully carpeted wall to wall with bound
edges. It has a reproduction whitewall tire on a painted rim for a
spare and a restored jack. It looks brand new.
UNDERSIDE: The body was off the frame for a complete restoration.
The chassis was completely disassembled, stripped, and painted
semi-gloss black. The steering and suspension was completely
rebuilt. The brake system was completely rebuilt, e-brake is hooked
up. Fuel system was restored. New exhaust system. Looking up at the
motor it is spotless, has chrome oil pan. The 3-speed trans has
electric overdrive. Rebuilt driveshaft, restored rear end. The
fiberglass floors are in excellent condition. It is detailed like
new underneath!
Conclusion: This one could possibly be the best one in existence! I
think it's better than when it was new. Very unique and interesting
car with its own chapter in automotive history.
I, Jay Grams, take pride in personally writing the descriptions for
virtually every car for about the last 30 years now. A significant
amount of effort goes into fact checking. What I am offering is my
professional impression of the vehicle. Our salesmen are happy to
assist with descriptions and making sure your questions are
answered. One great suggestion is letting us do a walk around video
that explains the car's condition in detail. **These cars are
displayed in a museum. If interested in a particular car, make an
appointment with a salesman to see that car. Without an appointment
there is an admission fee to enter the showroom. If you buy a car,
your admission will be refunded, and you will be given a 1 year
membership.
815 385 3644 9-5 central
[email protected] Answered ASAP
Pocket doors
Landau top
Overdrive
Wire hubcaps
Tachometer
Turn signals
Oil filter