Vehicle Description
In the late 1940s, many returning American soldiers came home with
a newfound love for the light and nimble sports cars that
proliferated European roads. Sports cars were still quite a novelty
to many Americans, but before long, the import sports car market
exploded. With a sudden influx of imported cars, American
manufacturers were caught on the back foot, unsure of how to meet
the demand for small, sporty cars. Without the time to develop a
new product from the ground-up, American companies adapted whatever
they had available off the shelf, applying similar principles as
the pioneering hot-rod and custom builders, using a simple chassis
with a big engine and a light fiberglass body. Ford and GM each had
their visions of a sports car, based on existing passenger car
platforms. A common theme among many American sports cars was that
performance took a back seat to style, as these new cars were used
more as image-enhancers to boost showroom traffic. In the early
1950s, the famed designer Howard "Dutch" Darrin, whose previous
work appeared on Rolls-Royce, Packards, and Duesenberg chassis, was
operating independently out of his showroom in LA. Darrin worked
for Kaiser in the past, and he took it upon himself to design a
sports car for the Kaiser Corporation based on the compact Henry J.
chassis. He then invited top company brass to view the car, in
hopes of selling the design for regular production. Somewhat
unexpectedly, Henry Kaiser brusquely informed Darrin that Kaiser
Corporation was in the family car business, NOT the sports car
business. But Darrin persisted and finally managed to secure a
meeting. Upon seeing the car for the first time, Mr. Kaiser was
impressed, but he stuck to his guns, only relenting when his wife
insisted the beautiful new car go into production. Once Mrs. Kaiser
convinced her Husband to move on the project, the prototype
appeared at the New York Auto Show in 1953, just beating
Chevrolet's Corvette to become America's first fiberglass
production sports car. Beyond the graceful profile and distinct
heart-shaped grille, the Kaiser-Darrin 161 was most famous for its
innovative pocket doors that disappeared into the front fenders on
sliding tracks. Construction of the fiberglass bodies was
outsourced to Glaspar of California, who had previous experience
with making a sporty car under their own name. Power was courtesy
of the Hurricane F-head inline-six producing about 90 horsepower.
Unfortunately, Kaiser Motors Corporation could not compete against
the marketing might of GM and Ford, and after just 435 Darrins (all
sold as 1954 models), Kaiser dropped out of passenger car
production altogether. It is said that Darrin rescued a few unsold
cars from Kaiser's Willow Run plant and refurbished them in Los
Angeles - although the specifics have been the subject of some
debate over the years. Despite its short run, the Kaiser-Darrin
remains one of the most distinctive and uniquely stylish American
cars of the 1950s. This Kaiser-Darrin 161 Roadster is a truly
outstanding example, finished in the beautiful factory shade of
Pine-Tint Green with a matching top and interior. This marvelous
car was the subject of a complete, nut-and-bolt restoration to
exacting standards and has seen only light and careful use since.
Once part of the Ron Pratt collection, it is reported that this was
a complete and very original car before its restoration. Every
component was given the same care and attention as the next, as
this car presents in exceptional condition. The current owner
acquired the car in 2015 and has continued to care for it as part
of his collection. The Pine Tint Green paintwork is exquisite,
displaying gorgeous reflections and finish quality. All of the
original chrome was restored and finished to show-quality
standards, with the only deviation from standard being the
beautiful chrome wire wheels in place of the original multi-piece
wheel covers. The signature pocket doors operate smoothly, and the
hood, trunk, and decklids fit well. Dutch Darrin's vision for the
Kaiser-Darrin 161 extended to the stylish interior. He specified an
elegant yet straightforward cockpit treatment that further enhanced
the wholly unique appearance of the car. Refraining from adding
extraneous trim, Darrin kept the interior simple as to not detract
from the body design. Restored true to factory specifications, this
car features pastel green upholstery on the seats, dash pad and
door panels. Tan colored carpets cover the floors and transmission
tunnel, executed in correct nylon-loop material. The matching green
soft top is done in period proper vinyl material, and the fit is
excellent. Equipment is minimal, with an under-dash heater
overdrive being the only options. Beneath the hood sits the
Willys-derived F-Head inline six. With a single carburetor, the 161
cubic-inch engine made a respectable 90 horsepower. A three-speed
manual transmission with overdrive allows for relaxed cruising
ability. As with the rest of this car, the engine is meticulously
detailed to a very high standard. Factory correct labels and decals
give it a showroom-fresh appearance, while the plumbing and wiring
are exceptionally neat and tidy. The car benefits from recent
service and fresh tires and is ready for regular enjoyment. Rarely
do we encounter examples of the Kaiser-Darrin 161 restored with
such quality and meticulous detail. This marvelous car is one of
the best of its kind and is sure to provide its next owner with
many miles of enjoyable cruising in style. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7460-1954-kaiser-darrin-roadster/
