For Sale: 1954 Kaiser Darrin in Saint Louis, Missouri

In the late 1940s, 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 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, Packard, 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 the 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 Red Sail with a black 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. Every component was given the same care and attention as the next, as this car presents in exceptional condition. The quality of the restoration was recognized by receiving an AACA National First Prize in 2021.The paintwork is exquisite, displaying gorgeous reflections and finish quality. All of the original chrome was restored and finished to show-quality standards. 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 so as not to detract from the body design. Restored true to factory specifications, this car features black upholstery on the seats, dash pad and door panels. Black carpets cover the floors and transmission tunnel, executed in correct nylon-loop material. The matching soft top is done in period proper vinyl material, and the fit is excellent. Equipment is minimal, with an under-dash heater and 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 an extremely high standard. Factory correct labels and decals give it a showroom-fresh appearance, while the plumbing and wiring are exceptionally neat and tidy. 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