1954 Kaiser-Darrin 161 Convertible America's First Production Fiberglass Sports Car
As one just 435 produced in the limited production run, this Kaiser Darrin 161 Convertible is exemplary of this rare and innovative boulevardier. Wearing a very well detailed older restoration, this Kaiser Darrin is finished in the period-correct shade of Pine Tint with matching vinyl interior and three-position top. The wonderful period aesthetic is punctuated by B.F. Goodrich wide-white bias-ply tires on beautifully finished chrome wire wheels. Contrary to the ornate fins and chrome that began to prevail in American car design at the time, the Kaiser Darrin distinctly clean and unadorned, particularly when viewed in profile. This car's Glaspar-built body and Pine Tint paintwork are in excellent condition. Under the hood, Kaiser's robust F-head inline-six is clean and very nicely detailed, with authentic fittings and details like the oil bath air cleaner and Fram oil filter housing. Though built in small numbers, it paved the way for the greater success of the Corvette and Thunderbird. While biased toward relaxed cruising as opposed to being an outright sports car, the Kaiser Darrin nonetheless marks a significant milestone for the American home-grown sporty car class and is a fascinating styling exercise from one of America's greatest industrial designers. This collector-grade example would be at home in a wide variety of collections.
Price: $97,500
