1954 Kaiser Supercharged Manhattan 

One of 4,109 produced, retailed for $2,444 and was initially shipped as a supercharged engine.

3703 CC Flat Head 6-Cylinder Engine

Single Carburetor

140bhp at 3650 RPM

3-speed Manual Transmission with Overdrive

Independent Front with Live Axle with Semi Elliptical Rear Suspension

4-wheel Drum Brakes

VIN #K542002405

My wife and I bought it as a "together' restoration project and we've decided this one might be a tough project for beginners. The car runs, drives, and stops. It is started regularly. Not sure I would take it too much further than a car trailer without some time spent checking things out though.

History: Kaiser-Frazer began manufacturing vehicles soon after WWII. Henry Kaiser was an industrialist with money and financing; George Frazer was an automotive executive with Packard. Together they leveraged the post war demand and the automobile manufacturing industries inability to rapidly re-enter commercial production by leasing a vacant plant from Ford and built over 100,000 cars in a year. Internal disputes, poor financials, and fierce competition among the Big 3 would soon have an impact on Kaiser's future as an automobile manufacturer. 1954 was the final year of production for the Kaiser, although a very small quantity of 1955 versions were marketed by dealers who had attached a 1955 hood ornament to their existing 1954 models on hand.

This example of the Kaiser Manhattan was built in 1954 and benefits from the addition of a supercharger, which became a standard production feature towards the end of that year. Engineers at Kaiser-Frazer used the same supercharger as was applied to the Thunderbird, thus raising the horsepower of the Manhattan from 115 to 140 BHP. The car was instantly lauded for its power and performance, featuring a 3.7-liter engine with the popular hydromantic transmission, which Kaiser-Frazer marketed as providing 'two engines in one - economy coupled with energy'.

The styling is exquisite with a jet-air scoop grille, elegant tear-drop headlights and enormous wrap around rear window. This delightful example is quite original, with factory interior. It is presented in stylish cream paint with an eye-catching contrast green roof with a lovely cream and green interior and consul accents, and chrome wheels. It is in good overall condition, showing only 98K miles on the odometer.

This exclusive Kaiser Manhattan is a highly collectible automobile for its rarity, avant-garde styling and impressive performance. Pleasantly authentic and presented in a superb and unique color combination, this 1954 model offers an opportunity to acquire a lovely post-war icon, produced for a very brief window in automotive history.

EXTERIOR:

In general, and from a few yards away, this car presents well. This is an impression that somewhat diminishes as you get closer. While the bodywork is true, and the panels are largely free of any dents to speak of, the paint is variously crazed, cracked, split, or peeling away depending on where you look. The black roof has seen better days and has been repainted at some point in its life, although there are a few flat spots and peeling paint here and there. Elsewhere, there are a few traces of rust in various seams and intersections, but nothing that looks more than superficial. The wheels, trim, lights, and badging are all in decent shape. The shut lines and panel gaps seem consistent and even, and the doors slam home with plenty of weight and precision - this is a very solidly built vehicle. This big car has more chrome than the Chrysler building. Thankfully, most of it has held up well although there is some foxing and pitting in places. There are a few chips to the paint along the leading edges of the doors and bonnet.

INTERIOR:

The interior condition is very decent for its age. There is some deterioration to the fabric on the seats and door cards - but the seats are comfortable and supportive all round and the overall impression is of a well-maintained and preserved interior. The door cards are a little discolored and would no doubt thank their next owner for showing them a soapy chamois. The headlining is good, as is most of the interior trim and the various fixtures and fittings. The instruments, gear selector and steering wheel are very much of their era and seem to be in ok condition. There are a few places on the steering column and dashboard where the green paint has flaked away. The oil pressure and amp meter appear to work. Windshield wipers work. Functionality of heater system has not been tested; levers seem stiff. The trunk, which is big enough to warrant its own postcode, contains a spare tire/wheel.

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Contact: Kelly

Phone: (971) 241-39 five three

$ 4,500

Location: Dayton, Oregon 97114

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