Lot 242 - 1953 Kaiser Manhattan
| Lot Number | 242 |
| Registration | 449 XVY |
| Chassis Number | 022119 |
| Engine Number | 1149788 |
| Odometer reading | 89,066 miles |
| Estimate | £16,000 - £25,000 |
- Museum standard
- From a private collection
- In very good condition
- UK registered
Newcomer Kaiser-Frazer stole a march on the Detroit establishment with the launch of an all-new range in August 1946. Styled by gifted designer Howard 'Dutch' Darrin, the '47 Kaisers featured a straight-through bumper line linking front and rear wings, a styling device setting them apart from the mainly pre-war designs of the majors, and one that would prove highly influential. Founded by shipbuilding magnate Henry J Kaiser and Graham-Paige executive Joseph Frazer, the fledgling marque prospered briefly, producing a number of novel designs that included saloon-like hatchbacks and four-door convertibles. By 1949, however, sales were in decline, and to remedy matters Darrin was re-hired. The resulting '51 Kaisers were an audacious step forward in automotive styling, featuring a low waistline and generous glass area as aspects of a look that was well ahead of its time. The mildly face-lifted Manhattan was introduced for '52 as a new top-of-the-range model, undergoing a more radical makeover for 1954, a process which, if anything, improved an already state-of-the-art design. The 226.2ci (3.7 litre) six-cylinder side-valve engine also came in for revision, gaining a McCulloch supercharger that raised maximum power from 115 to 140bhp. Sadly, this was all too late to save Kaiser-Willys, as the company had become, which ended passenger car production the following year.
Before arriving to the UK in 2021 this Kaiser Manhattan was in single ownership since 2004 where it resided in Hamburg, Germany. UK registered in 2023 by its current vendor, this Kaiser is reported to run well but will require new tyres all round before road use. This Kaiser presents very well indeed, the paintwork is in very good condition as is the engine bay and the interior is excellent with its original record player still fitted to the car. A true time warp example that looks superb, this is an increasingly collectible milestone model in the history of the charismatic yet neglected marque.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.