Vehicle Description
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
