- VIN 002; 1 of just 2 pilot production models
- Believed to be Henry J. Kaiser's personal car and the 1951 Chicago Auto Show Car
- Equipped with the Supersonic six-cylinder engine
- Acquired by the Passport Collection 10 years ago
LOT 317
Selling on Saturday
From The Passport Collection
1951 Frazer Manhattan Convertible Pilot Car
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
The Kaiser-Frazer Corporation was founded in 1947 by Henry J. Kaiser and Joseph Frazer, and was built on the remnants of the defunct Graham-Paige company of which Joseph Frazer was formerly the president. Kaiser-Frazer had a relatively short stint as a full-fledged manufacturer and struggled from early on to gain a foothold in the market against the might of the Big Three. At the head of the corporation, Kaiser and Frazer often clashed about their strong philosophical differences. In 1951, Joseph Frazer was ousted from the company bearing his name. Adding insult to injury, the Frazer nameplate was dropped from the lineup in the middle of 1951 production. Henry J. Kaiser tried to shore up his company's assets by purchasing another struggling independent, Willys-Overland. This formed the Kaiser-Willys Corporation, and in 1956 the company ceased passenger car production altogether, focusing instead on utility vehicles. Only the Jeep brand survived the twists and turns of this tumultuous company's history.
The Frazer Manhattan was the company's flagship offering for 1951. The Frazer models received a significant restyle which they did not share with their sister cars at Kaiser, making these cars quite rare indeed. The distinct styling proved popular with the public and nearly 50,000 orders were placed. But the company could not keep pace, as the Manhattan was largely hand built, and only 10,214 left the Willow Run factory before supplies ran dry.
This 1951 Frazer Manhattan is a rare and fascinating four-door convertible that is pinned with serial number 002, making it one of two pilot production models. This very car was shown at the 1951 Chicago Auto Show, then returned to Kaiser-Frazer's Willow Run plant where it is said to have become Henry J. Kaiser's personal car. Kaiser reportedly kept the car for many years, a testament to the quality and style. It was used at his homes in both Michigan and Hawaii, still bearing its Hawaii permit sticker from 1962, the location to which Mr. Kaiser retired.
This significant Frazer presents in very well-maintained condition. It has benefited from light restoration work and careful preservation from previous owners. The pleasing yellow over black color combination suits the car very well. The venerable Continental Supersonic L-head six-cylinder engine is in fine order and is mated to a robust GM Hydramatic transmission. Engine bay detailing is pleasing and tidy, not over-restored, but with a nice period-correct feel. Inside, the leather interior is surprisingly luxurious and has been beautifully preserved. It features hydraulically operated power windows and power top, and a delightful array of chrome detailing on the dash. Sold alongside this automobile is a binder that includes factory manuals and historical correspondence from previous owners.
A well-preserved example of a seldom seen American auto maker, this pilot production model that was owned and used by the very man that ran the company, is a historic and rare piece of automobile history from the Nifty Fifties.
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