Vehicle Description
1954 Kaiser Darrin KD161 "Pocket Door" Roadster
Designer: Howard "Dutch" Darrin
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Estimate: $90,000 - $120,000
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Chassis Number: 161001253
Decoded: 161=Model Designation; 001253=253rd Darrin scheduled for
production
Engine: 161 cid L-head in-line 6-cylinder engine
2-barrel Carburetor/90 bhp
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Four Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
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Odometer: 56.615 Miles
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Kaiser's Most Dramatic Production Model
Unique Fiberglass Construction
Beautiful Restoration
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The Model: The writing was pretty much on the wall in the summer of
1953, and Kaiser, which had been born in 1947, was gasping for air.
Howard "Dutch" Darrin, who had been instrumental in the styling of
Kaiser, came up with an idea that seemed to fly. Using the chassis
and running gear of the discontinued Henry J Corsair, he would
create a limited production fiberglass roadster. With the designs
wrapped up, it didn't take long for a company already experienced
in the art of crafting car bodies in fiberglass. Glasspar located
in Santa Ana, California had found moderate success by selling
their own roadster bodied kit cars that were designed for Ford
chassis. This company had more experience with this new
lightweight, yet sturdy material and the bodies produced were
considered to have better fit and finish that the first year of the
Corvette roadster. With conventional drive, chassis and suspension,
the KD161 most unique feature had to be the pocket-door design
where both doors slid effortlessly into the front fenders. This
would turn out to be the last hurrah for Kaiser with the marque
disappearing just a few weeks after the 1955 full-size sedans had
gone into production.
The Car: According to the consignor, this is an ultra-rare example
of a very rare model. Finished in its original Radiant Red, the
interior is finished with comfortable and form fitted leather
surfaces done in an original hue of Ivory, while a recently
installed folding top has been done in white. Reported this car is
a black to drive, with the little in-line six producing plenty of
power to propel this sporty roadster down the road. Imagine the
admiring looks you will get when you arrive at a social function
behind the wheel of this unique and quite attractive looking sports
car and the amazement people will express as you "slide" open the
doors. Glasspar was a leader in the fiberglass world when "Dutch"
Darrin came to them with this project. With a limited production of
430 units, owning one of these cars when they were new was an
honor. Few of these cars have survived and this example is among
one of the best examples we have seen for quite some time. Never
too early for a Spring-time ride, buy you lady this Kaiser and
surprise her!
