Odometer reading: 89,066
MOT: Exempt

*Offered without reserve
*Milestone model
*Exceptional styling
*Present ownership since 2004


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 fender 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 sidevalve 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.
This Kaiser Manhattan was purchased by the vendor from Mirbach Hanse GmbH of Hamburg, Germany in October 2004. An increasingly collectible milestone model in the history of a charismatic yet neglected marque, the car is offered with a bill of sale copy and a Swedish vehicle identity document.
This rare and stylish car has been on static display for a number of years and as such will require recommissioning prior to road use. Please also note this Lot is subject to UK import tax at the reduced rate of 5% if it is to remain in the UK.