Feedback must be left at the time of delivery upon final inspection. If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team. For AUTOMOBILIA and other non-motorvehicle property, the premium is 25% onthe first $250,000 of the bid price, 20% onthe amount exceeding $250,000, up to andincluding $4,000,000, and 12.5% on anyamount exceeding $4,000,000. Swooping curves paired with unique sliding pocket doors which disappeared into the front fenders when open. All that Kaiser tended to lack, according to writer Aaron Severson, was a sense of his own limitations. [4], Even if Kaiser Motors had been stronger financially or more established in the marketplace, Severson says, the Darrin might not have sold in large numbers. .switcher .option::-webkit-scrollbar {width:5px;} To enter the Kaiser-Darrin, one twisted the door handle and pushed the door forward into the front fender. [3] The car was equipped with a three-position Landau top, which was also considered novel, and the design on the whole considered by industry critics and writers as beautifully proportioned. The body was molded in two sections, minus deck lid, doors and hood. Please note our shipping quotes are bespoke and require special care and handling from our team and shippers. Several changes were necessitated to put the car into production. This 1954 Kaiser Darrin was last driven in 1968 according to the seller, and has just come out of 40 years of storage.
By early 1954, many Kaiser franchises had either switched to other auto makers or had gone out of business.
Tests of the supercharged factory prototype made at Kaiser showed that the supercharged cars could go from zero to 60 miles per hour (97km/h) in around 10 seconds and had a top speed of over 100 miles per hour (160km/h). Many of the cars' engines were retrofitted with superchargers and multiple carburation to improve performance. [4], Another factor in the Darrin's demise was a freak snowstorm that hit Toledo in the winter of 1953-54. Reaching into his own pocketbook, he funded the Darrins roadster design himself.
As we are currently experiencing a high volume of sales, we are doing everything in our power to deliver your vehicle as soon as possible! Warranty Available. Hundreds of unsold Corvettes remained at the end of 1954. This handsome Kaiser Darrin in the distinctive light green Pine Tint hue was completely restored during the period 19992001. Home American Miscellaneous 1954 KAISER DARRIN 161 SPORT ROADSTER. Todays Rare Ride is just one of 435 Darrins produced. Door-to-door national and international shipping arrangements are available. Kaiser had in fact already been approached by designer Brooks Stevens in 1951 to build a two-seat roadster, based on the Anglo-American, Some sources claim that leather seats were available by special order (Severson, "Dressed to Kill"), Abernethy would later to become president of American Motors Corporation (AMC) (Severson, "Dressed to Kill"), The warehouse building of the Jackson plant had actually been sold to Walker Manufacturing in 1953 (Severson, "Dressed to Kill"), Severson, "Kaisers Never Retrench: The History of Kaiser-Frazer, Part 1", Severson, "Kaisers Never Retrench: The History of Kaiser-Frazer, Part 2", Auto Editors of Consumer Guide, "Kaiser-Darrin,", McMullen, Jeremy, "1954 Kaiser Darrin news, pictures, and information,", Owen, Richard, "1954 Kaiser-Darrin Convertible,". Six were rumored to have been re-engined with Cadillac Eldorado V-8 units, however, none have survived subjecting the story to some skepticism.
Only two of these angered the designer but were deemed necessary to meet vehicle regulations in several statesraising the headlights four inches and adding turn signals below them. Other alterations included separate lids for the trunk and top well instead of the one-piece lid on the prototype, a one-piece windshield without a "sweetheart dip" in place of a split windshield, an amended interior and a dashboard display with the instruments clustered ahead of the steering wheel instead of spread across the panel. At $3,668 it was expensive more than a Series 62 Cadillac or a Lincoln Capri but came with lots of standard equipment: a three-position landau top, tinted windshield with washers, and a tachometer. Please allow 7-14 business days from the time of booking for packing and dispatch, depending on your chosen shipping method. 1954 Arnolt-Bristol DeLuxe Roadster by Bertone. While these last two problems plagued sports cars of the time in general, they also limited the Darrin's marketability. These included the Packard 120 and Packard Clipper. Buy with confidence. Given this and the fact that neither dealer orders nor sales showed any signs of improving, Kaiser stopped production in August 1954. Please note, the title for this vehicle will be in transit. privacy
If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. Kaiser wanted to expand production; Frazer wanted to retrench and economize, especially with the view that as the Big ThreeFord, Chrysler and General Motorsbrought out newly designed cars, Kaiser-Frazer sales would drop. The 1954 Kaiser Darrin 161 Sport Roadster featured here is finished in stunning Onyx Black over a beautiful maroon interior and matching convertible top.
Porsche's Next Flagship Will Be an EV Crossover, TTAC Throwback: Here's Why You Should Buy This 1980 Pontiac Firebird "Yellowbird", General Motors Death Watch 34: The Oracle of Delphi, General Motors Death Watch 47: Happy Days. This body was shipped to Darrin's design shop in Santa Monica, California, and mated to a Henry J chassis. [4][a 4], While Kaiser had set a goal of selling 1,000 Darrins a year, production had not reached half that number and the factory where the Darrin was manufactured was backlogged with unsold cars. The Panda would have done well - especially the off-road version. While we offer our cars for online sale and auction, we do also encourage you to visit our beautiful classic car showroom! Classic cars have proven to be among the most resilient and rewarding investments in recent years, with the Historic Automobile Group Index (HAGI) jumping 39% in 2013, 16% in 2014, and 17% in 2015 while posting gains of 467% over the last 10 years. [4] Frazer commissioned Darrin to design a car that he planned to market through the Graham-Paige automotive firm. Ford Motor Company was developing the initial version of its Thunderbird and General Motors was working on the Chevrolet Corvette. Accessed 6 Nov 2013. [12], Both of these conversions improved the Darrin's performance dramatically. [3] For the Darrin, Kaiser engineers modified a Henry J engine, giving it a high compression aluminum head, a hotter camshaft and a three-carburetor set-up. Automotive writer Aaron Severson, in his article "Dressed to Kill: The 1954 Kaiser Darrin," called the Henry J's roadability an "agreeable blend of ride comfort and maneuverability" and its engine "sprightly, if not particularly fast.
Had it arrived in showrooms early enough to provide a greater promotional value to Kaiser Motors as a whole, Severson says, this fact might not have proved so crucial. WINNER'S UPDATE Question of the Week: What's Your Best Road Trip Story? The merger also offered an alternative engine choice for the Darrin. and cookie policies for more information. (open until 5:00 by appointment) Daniel Schmitt & Co. reserves the right to end the auction at any time.
This was around the same time that other American manufacturers were developing their own roadsters. The ride, however, was comfortable for a sports car. They will be happy to give you a complete walk-around, supply you with a more detailed description, and answer any questions you may have. With all this in mind, Severson concludes, the fact that Kaiser sold as many Darrins as it did was somewhat remarkable. There was one V8 engined Darrin raced at Tory Pines in November 1954 and a wrecked Darrin rebuilt into a drag racer by Lee and Gary Abrahams of Tucson, Arizona in the early 1960s. If 90 horsepower sounds like the Darrin might have lacked in the performance department it did. HISTORY OF THE KAISER DARRIN It asks $199,900. By the time production Darrins arrived, Severson suggests, "Kaiser didnt need a traffic builder, it needed a miracle."[4]. The companies in Detroit wanted offerings to best European sports cars like Triumphs and MGs. He had begun with a cement business in Vancouver, British Columbia. Atop the Henry J chassis, designer Howard Darrin penned a lightweight fiberglass roadster. Question of the Week: What's the Frenchiest French Car? [a 3][10] Seat belts, which were not widely available on American cars at this time, were listed as an option, however, there were no attachment points built into the frame or body. However, Glasspar produced only a handful of these. .switcher a:hover img {opacity:1;} A switch to nylon roller bushings (retrofitted to early cars) corrected the problem to some extent but owners still had to keep door tracks free of dirt, mud or debris. [4] Also, the folding top and side curtains leaked and the heater proved inadequate. The Hurricane offered only six horsepower more than the Kaiser engine but was built more strongly and seemed to hold up better to the increased forces of supercharging. Until Kaiser and Frazer parted ways, Kaiser and Frazer automobiles were offered as two separate brands under the Kaiser-Frazer banner. inc. premium, Collectors Motorcars and Automobilia Auction, Philadelphia Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, I have read, understood and agree to Bonhams. I asked him what he was looking for and he said, " Overhead valves." Few ordered any Darrins at all. The next owner of this Kaiser-Darrin is unlikely to meet another on the road. 2022 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. Sales slumped in 1949. In partnership with automotive executive Joseph W. Frazer, Kaiser formed Kaiser-Frazer Corporation on July 25, 1945. We walked around lots and he would open the hood on everything and check the motor. Darrin had designed the 1951 model Kaisers, but fell out with Kaiser management. Kaiser stopped making any cars in 1955. These included a $700 trade-in allowance on any Darrin. Daniel Schmitt & Co. Ready to make an investment you can actually enjoy? Our goal is to provide you with the best service and buying experience as possible. Kaiser. .switcher a {text-decoration:none;display:block;font-size:10pt;-webkit-box-sizing:content-box;-moz-box-sizing:content-box;box-sizing:content-box;} He replaced the powerplants of six cars with V-8 engines, rated at 305bhp, used by General Motors for its Cadillac Eldorado. By 1952, Kaiser Motors was showing interest in producing a stylish sports roadster to suit the interest of Americans who had started purchasing two-seat sports cars from European manufactures. It was the cover car on the February 2012 issue of Motor Market magazine. We use cookies to remember choices you make on functionality and personal features to enhance your experience to our site. [4] Doors on early production vehicles tended to jam. By continuing to use our site you consent to the use of cookies. Terms of Use, All contents 2022 The best vintage and classic cars for sale online | Bring a Trailer, BaT Auction Success Story: Early 911 is Short and Sweet, BaT Podcast Episode #45: BaT Staff Talk Lamborghinis, Alumni Events, and Favorite Auction Listings. He set up his own coachworks on Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood and worked with Packard on some of the most attractive models built by that company in the 1930s and 40s. Alfa Romeo may have gained a foothold back into the US. Public and media response to the Darrin was positive, with the roadster dubbed "the sports car that everyone has been waiting for." ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. At the cost of over $3,500 new, it was one of the most expensive sports cars of its era and attracted numerous celebrity owners. Compared to the larger-engined Corvette, Nash-Healey and Jaguar XK120, the Darrin was completely outclassed. [4], When the car finally hit the market, its price, at $3668, was higher than the Cadillac 62 or Lincoln Capri luxury cars but came equipped with tachometer, electric windshield wipers, tinted windshield, windwings and whitewall tires. Shipping will be booked after payment is received. Zero to 60 times were right at 15 seconds, which was slower than anything in its price class. We work closely with many banking institutions that understand and recognize the collector value of classic cars and view them as an investment, which allows us to help you get the financing you need so that you can have the car you have dreamed of. "[4], Darrin felt that the Henry J deserved better than the boxy design with which it had been outfitted and set out to prove it. [4] Tritt's company, Glasspar, was commissioned to produce bodies for the production model. Fifty Darrins that had been stored in the yard of the Kaiser-Willys plant there remained buried in snow for several months.
Essentially a revamp of Kaiser's Henry J compact, the Kaiser Darrin was one of its designer's final achievements and was noted for being the second (behind the 1953 Corvette) American car equipped with a fiberglass body and doors that slid on tracks into the front fender wells. He was replaced by Kaiser's son Edgar and the company renamed Kaiser Motors. We are proud to offer it to the most astute collector or investor who appreciates this rare model. I started searching the underside of the open hood for these "valves". In areas that lacked infrastructure to support his work force, Kaiser and his son Edgar built entire cities within months. Please inquire for more information. You can add Ozzy there too with his crazy family to represent British "culture". While Darrin remained in France initially and formed the coach building firm of Fernandez & Darrin with a wealthy South American banker, he returned to the United States in 1937. [9], Along with Darrin's trademark fender line, the Kaiser Darrin had entry doors that, instead of being hinged to open outward, slid on tracks into the front fender wells behind the front wheels.
Privacy Notice/Notice at Collection With unique sliding doors, incredible styling, and low production of only 435 examples built, the Kaiser Darrin was one of Americas first ventures into true sports car production. .switcher a img {vertical-align:middle;display:inline;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;opacity:0.8;}
By early 1954, many Kaiser franchises had either switched to other auto makers or had gone out of business.
Tests of the supercharged factory prototype made at Kaiser showed that the supercharged cars could go from zero to 60 miles per hour (97km/h) in around 10 seconds and had a top speed of over 100 miles per hour (160km/h). Many of the cars' engines were retrofitted with superchargers and multiple carburation to improve performance. [4], Another factor in the Darrin's demise was a freak snowstorm that hit Toledo in the winter of 1953-54. Reaching into his own pocketbook, he funded the Darrins roadster design himself.
As we are currently experiencing a high volume of sales, we are doing everything in our power to deliver your vehicle as soon as possible! Warranty Available. Hundreds of unsold Corvettes remained at the end of 1954. This handsome Kaiser Darrin in the distinctive light green Pine Tint hue was completely restored during the period 19992001. Home American Miscellaneous 1954 KAISER DARRIN 161 SPORT ROADSTER. Todays Rare Ride is just one of 435 Darrins produced. Door-to-door national and international shipping arrangements are available. Kaiser had in fact already been approached by designer Brooks Stevens in 1951 to build a two-seat roadster, based on the Anglo-American, Some sources claim that leather seats were available by special order (Severson, "Dressed to Kill"), Abernethy would later to become president of American Motors Corporation (AMC) (Severson, "Dressed to Kill"), The warehouse building of the Jackson plant had actually been sold to Walker Manufacturing in 1953 (Severson, "Dressed to Kill"), Severson, "Kaisers Never Retrench: The History of Kaiser-Frazer, Part 1", Severson, "Kaisers Never Retrench: The History of Kaiser-Frazer, Part 2", Auto Editors of Consumer Guide, "Kaiser-Darrin,", McMullen, Jeremy, "1954 Kaiser Darrin news, pictures, and information,", Owen, Richard, "1954 Kaiser-Darrin Convertible,". Six were rumored to have been re-engined with Cadillac Eldorado V-8 units, however, none have survived subjecting the story to some skepticism.
Only two of these angered the designer but were deemed necessary to meet vehicle regulations in several statesraising the headlights four inches and adding turn signals below them. Other alterations included separate lids for the trunk and top well instead of the one-piece lid on the prototype, a one-piece windshield without a "sweetheart dip" in place of a split windshield, an amended interior and a dashboard display with the instruments clustered ahead of the steering wheel instead of spread across the panel. At $3,668 it was expensive more than a Series 62 Cadillac or a Lincoln Capri but came with lots of standard equipment: a three-position landau top, tinted windshield with washers, and a tachometer. Please allow 7-14 business days from the time of booking for packing and dispatch, depending on your chosen shipping method. 1954 Arnolt-Bristol DeLuxe Roadster by Bertone. While these last two problems plagued sports cars of the time in general, they also limited the Darrin's marketability. These included the Packard 120 and Packard Clipper. Buy with confidence. Given this and the fact that neither dealer orders nor sales showed any signs of improving, Kaiser stopped production in August 1954. Please note, the title for this vehicle will be in transit. privacy
If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. Kaiser wanted to expand production; Frazer wanted to retrench and economize, especially with the view that as the Big ThreeFord, Chrysler and General Motorsbrought out newly designed cars, Kaiser-Frazer sales would drop. The 1954 Kaiser Darrin 161 Sport Roadster featured here is finished in stunning Onyx Black over a beautiful maroon interior and matching convertible top.
Porsche's Next Flagship Will Be an EV Crossover, TTAC Throwback: Here's Why You Should Buy This 1980 Pontiac Firebird "Yellowbird", General Motors Death Watch 34: The Oracle of Delphi, General Motors Death Watch 47: Happy Days. This body was shipped to Darrin's design shop in Santa Monica, California, and mated to a Henry J chassis. [4][a 4], While Kaiser had set a goal of selling 1,000 Darrins a year, production had not reached half that number and the factory where the Darrin was manufactured was backlogged with unsold cars. The Panda would have done well - especially the off-road version. While we offer our cars for online sale and auction, we do also encourage you to visit our beautiful classic car showroom! Classic cars have proven to be among the most resilient and rewarding investments in recent years, with the Historic Automobile Group Index (HAGI) jumping 39% in 2013, 16% in 2014, and 17% in 2015 while posting gains of 467% over the last 10 years. [4] Frazer commissioned Darrin to design a car that he planned to market through the Graham-Paige automotive firm. Ford Motor Company was developing the initial version of its Thunderbird and General Motors was working on the Chevrolet Corvette. Accessed 6 Nov 2013. [12], Both of these conversions improved the Darrin's performance dramatically. [3] For the Darrin, Kaiser engineers modified a Henry J engine, giving it a high compression aluminum head, a hotter camshaft and a three-carburetor set-up. Automotive writer Aaron Severson, in his article "Dressed to Kill: The 1954 Kaiser Darrin," called the Henry J's roadability an "agreeable blend of ride comfort and maneuverability" and its engine "sprightly, if not particularly fast.
Had it arrived in showrooms early enough to provide a greater promotional value to Kaiser Motors as a whole, Severson says, this fact might not have proved so crucial. WINNER'S UPDATE Question of the Week: What's Your Best Road Trip Story? The merger also offered an alternative engine choice for the Darrin. and cookie policies for more information. (open until 5:00 by appointment) Daniel Schmitt & Co. reserves the right to end the auction at any time.
This was around the same time that other American manufacturers were developing their own roadsters. The ride, however, was comfortable for a sports car. They will be happy to give you a complete walk-around, supply you with a more detailed description, and answer any questions you may have. With all this in mind, Severson concludes, the fact that Kaiser sold as many Darrins as it did was somewhat remarkable. There was one V8 engined Darrin raced at Tory Pines in November 1954 and a wrecked Darrin rebuilt into a drag racer by Lee and Gary Abrahams of Tucson, Arizona in the early 1960s. If 90 horsepower sounds like the Darrin might have lacked in the performance department it did. HISTORY OF THE KAISER DARRIN It asks $199,900. By the time production Darrins arrived, Severson suggests, "Kaiser didnt need a traffic builder, it needed a miracle."[4]. The companies in Detroit wanted offerings to best European sports cars like Triumphs and MGs. He had begun with a cement business in Vancouver, British Columbia. Atop the Henry J chassis, designer Howard Darrin penned a lightweight fiberglass roadster. Question of the Week: What's the Frenchiest French Car? [a 3][10] Seat belts, which were not widely available on American cars at this time, were listed as an option, however, there were no attachment points built into the frame or body. However, Glasspar produced only a handful of these. .switcher a:hover img {opacity:1;} A switch to nylon roller bushings (retrofitted to early cars) corrected the problem to some extent but owners still had to keep door tracks free of dirt, mud or debris. [4] Also, the folding top and side curtains leaked and the heater proved inadequate. The Hurricane offered only six horsepower more than the Kaiser engine but was built more strongly and seemed to hold up better to the increased forces of supercharging. Until Kaiser and Frazer parted ways, Kaiser and Frazer automobiles were offered as two separate brands under the Kaiser-Frazer banner. inc. premium, Collectors Motorcars and Automobilia Auction, Philadelphia Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, I have read, understood and agree to Bonhams. I asked him what he was looking for and he said, " Overhead valves." Few ordered any Darrins at all. The next owner of this Kaiser-Darrin is unlikely to meet another on the road. 2022 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. Sales slumped in 1949. In partnership with automotive executive Joseph W. Frazer, Kaiser formed Kaiser-Frazer Corporation on July 25, 1945. We walked around lots and he would open the hood on everything and check the motor. Darrin had designed the 1951 model Kaisers, but fell out with Kaiser management. Kaiser stopped making any cars in 1955. These included a $700 trade-in allowance on any Darrin. Daniel Schmitt & Co. Ready to make an investment you can actually enjoy? Our goal is to provide you with the best service and buying experience as possible. Kaiser. .switcher a {text-decoration:none;display:block;font-size:10pt;-webkit-box-sizing:content-box;-moz-box-sizing:content-box;box-sizing:content-box;} He replaced the powerplants of six cars with V-8 engines, rated at 305bhp, used by General Motors for its Cadillac Eldorado. By 1952, Kaiser Motors was showing interest in producing a stylish sports roadster to suit the interest of Americans who had started purchasing two-seat sports cars from European manufactures. It was the cover car on the February 2012 issue of Motor Market magazine. We use cookies to remember choices you make on functionality and personal features to enhance your experience to our site. [4] Doors on early production vehicles tended to jam. By continuing to use our site you consent to the use of cookies. Terms of Use, All contents 2022 The best vintage and classic cars for sale online | Bring a Trailer, BaT Auction Success Story: Early 911 is Short and Sweet, BaT Podcast Episode #45: BaT Staff Talk Lamborghinis, Alumni Events, and Favorite Auction Listings. He set up his own coachworks on Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood and worked with Packard on some of the most attractive models built by that company in the 1930s and 40s. Alfa Romeo may have gained a foothold back into the US. Public and media response to the Darrin was positive, with the roadster dubbed "the sports car that everyone has been waiting for." ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. At the cost of over $3,500 new, it was one of the most expensive sports cars of its era and attracted numerous celebrity owners. Compared to the larger-engined Corvette, Nash-Healey and Jaguar XK120, the Darrin was completely outclassed. [4], When the car finally hit the market, its price, at $3668, was higher than the Cadillac 62 or Lincoln Capri luxury cars but came equipped with tachometer, electric windshield wipers, tinted windshield, windwings and whitewall tires. Shipping will be booked after payment is received. Zero to 60 times were right at 15 seconds, which was slower than anything in its price class. We work closely with many banking institutions that understand and recognize the collector value of classic cars and view them as an investment, which allows us to help you get the financing you need so that you can have the car you have dreamed of. "[4], Darrin felt that the Henry J deserved better than the boxy design with which it had been outfitted and set out to prove it. [4] Tritt's company, Glasspar, was commissioned to produce bodies for the production model. Fifty Darrins that had been stored in the yard of the Kaiser-Willys plant there remained buried in snow for several months.
Essentially a revamp of Kaiser's Henry J compact, the Kaiser Darrin was one of its designer's final achievements and was noted for being the second (behind the 1953 Corvette) American car equipped with a fiberglass body and doors that slid on tracks into the front fender wells. He was replaced by Kaiser's son Edgar and the company renamed Kaiser Motors. We are proud to offer it to the most astute collector or investor who appreciates this rare model. I started searching the underside of the open hood for these "valves". In areas that lacked infrastructure to support his work force, Kaiser and his son Edgar built entire cities within months. Please inquire for more information. You can add Ozzy there too with his crazy family to represent British "culture". While Darrin remained in France initially and formed the coach building firm of Fernandez & Darrin with a wealthy South American banker, he returned to the United States in 1937. [9], Along with Darrin's trademark fender line, the Kaiser Darrin had entry doors that, instead of being hinged to open outward, slid on tracks into the front fender wells behind the front wheels.
Privacy Notice/Notice at Collection With unique sliding doors, incredible styling, and low production of only 435 examples built, the Kaiser Darrin was one of Americas first ventures into true sports car production. .switcher a img {vertical-align:middle;display:inline;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;opacity:0.8;}