Vehicle Description
This 1954 Kaiser Manhattan is a nicely preserved 4 door sedan from
the fifties with a unique look and that runs and drives great!
After the conclusion of World War II the demand for cars among the
American public was of great need. See, automobile sales and
production ceased in early 1942 so that the auto manufacturers
could dedicate all of the time, materials, and know-how to the
American war effort. When the war ended in 1945, civilian
automobile manufacturing was permitted to resume however, most of
the 1946 models were fabricated using the same tooling of the
pre-war 1942 models with only mild styling updates. That is, except
for the newest American automobile maker, Kaiser-Frazer. Formed as
a joint venture between Henry J. Kaiser (a famed American
shipbuilder and industrialist) and Joseph W. Frazer (a notable
American automotive industry executive), Kaiser-Frazer was the
first American company to market a completely new automobile after
the War. Kaiser-Frazer's new designs proved to be an immediate
success with the infant company selling over 70,000 units of its
very first production vehicle. However, Kaiser-Frazer's early sales
success was short-lived since the Big-Three Detroit automakers
began selling their own new post-war designs at better prices than
Kaiser could compete with. After Kaiser was bailed out by the
federal government in 1949, they hired automotive design visionary
Howard "Dutch" Darrin to breath new life and inspiration into
Kaiser-Frazer's automobile designs. While Darrin's innovative early
50s designs across Kaiser's product line were critically speaking
well-received, the company's financial woes continued. In fact,
much like the remaining independent American manufacturers such as
Hudson and Nash (who merged to form American Motors) and Studebaker
and Packard (who also merged around this time), Kaiser sought to
revitalize its finances by acquiring Willys in 1954. Nonetheless,
Kaiser was on its last legs with production slumping to 5,818
units. Introduced on February 3, 1954, the Kaiser Manhattan sported
a new-look "Jet Airscoop" grille that was said to have been
inspired by Buick's XP-300 concept car. The headlights were also
revamped, outfitted with a hooded look and surrounded by glitzy
trim. At the tail end of the car, a new wraparound rear window was
added as was an innovative new taillight/turn signal treatment that
can be seen from both the side and the rear of the car. While the
1954 Manhattans had an imaginative appearance, a mere 4,325 were
produced and Kaiser-Frazer's American operations ceased in June of
1955. This particular 1954 Manhattan is believed to have been a 2
owner example with both of the previous owners being great stewards
of this interesting piece of American automotive history. Under the
hood on this '54 Kaiser is 226.2 Cubic Inch Continental Flathead
Inline 6 Cylinder engine paired with a Carter single 2 barrel
carburetor that was said back in 1954 to push out 118 horsepower.
The 226 Continental Inline 6 is hooked up to a Hydra-Matic
Automatic transmission ensuring that anybody can take this
eccentric 50s cruiser for a spin around the block. The chrome and
brightwork around the exterior of this Kaiser Manhattan is in
wonderful condition, especially the "Jet Airscoop" grille and
bumpers. This Manhattan rides on a set of 4 whitewall bias-ply
tires paired with a set of full Kaiser wheelcovers that add to the
classic fifties look of the car. The exterior of this Kaiser has
been refinished in a beautiful two-tone paint scheme consisting
Copperdust burgundy over Palm Beach Ivory. The interior on this
1954 Manhattan looks great! The front and rear bench seats have
been reupholstered in Copperdust fabric accented by Ivory buttons.
Ivory vinyl covered full-length padded dash, ivory vinyl/copperdust
cloth covered door panels, and steering wheel all appear to be in
their stock configuration and are in great shape! The dash is
equipped with a 120 MPH speedometer, temperature gauge, and fuel
gauge, as well as a push-button AM radio and clock. Whether you're
adding to your existing collection of classic cars from independent
manufacturers or you're buying your first classic car, this 1954
Kaiser Manhattan would make a wonderful choice. Give us a call at
763-428-7337!
*226 Cu. In. Continental Flathead Inline 6
*Carter Single 2 Barrel Carburetor
*Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission
*118 Horsepower
*Single Exhaust
*Wide Whitewall Tires w/ Full Wheelcovers
*1 of 4,325 Produced
*Palm Beach Ivory/Copperdust Exterior
*Correct Ivory/Copperdust Vinyl/Cloth Interior
*Full Length Padded Dash
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 73,838 Miles
If an inaccurate automobile price is inadvertently listed on this
Website, Seller reserves the right to NOT honor the erroneous
price.
For more information and a current list of vehicles, call
763-428-7337.
