It would generally be fair to expect any classic with over seven decades under its belt to look slightly frayed and rough around the edges. However, this 1951 Kaiser Deluxe 2-Door Sedan is an exception to that rule. It is a three-owner classic that presents nicely following a previous restoration and would undoubtedly turn heads at a show or a Cars & Coffee. It would suit a discerning buyer seeking a 1950s classic that stands apart from the crowd. Its only need is a new home, with the owner listing it with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
Kaiser wanted its share of the new car sales pie following World War II but knew it needed something special to compete with “The Big Three.” It contracted Howard “Dutch” Darrin to pen the styling for this car, which proved crisper and more advanced than the opposition. So taken was the company with Darrin’s work that his surname graced its rare and iconic sports car that appeared in 1954. This 1951 Deluxe is a three-owner car that started its working life in Iowa. It eventually found its way into a private collection in Oregon, where its owner treated it to a full restoration. They ensured the panels were all straight before laying on a fresh coat of the car’s original Satin Blue paint. It still presents nicely, with only a few chip repairs around the front as evidence that it has seen active service. Rust is not an issue, with the exterior clean and the underside showing little beyond the occasional dusting of dry corrosion in a few isolated spots. The chrome and trim are in nice shape as well, with the factory sunvisor a practical addition. The glass is clear, and the Goodyear Weatherhandler whitewalls add the ideal finishing touch to the exterior. With Kaiser only producing 8,800 examples of the Deluxe 2-Door Sedan, this gem is guaranteed to turn heads wherever it goes.
Powering this Kaiser is a 226ci flathead six that produced 115hp and 190 ft/lbs of torque when this classic rolled off the line. Shifting duties fall to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Paired with the six-cylinder’s low-end torque delivery, which peaks below 2,000 rpm, it’s an accomplished performer that copes well in all circumstances. These engines are remarkably refined, and this is a beauty following a rebuild. The motor purrs to life easily, settling down to idle smoothly. The transmission shifts cleanly, the four-wheel drum brakes work perfectly, and the tires exhibit little wear. The owner says it drives as nicely as it would have the day it rolled off the showroom floor. It has a genuine 64,000 miles on the clock, and potential buyers should consider it a turnkey proposition.
If this Kaiser’s exterior and engine bay appearance impresses you, its interior could knock your socks off! It received a complete retrim during the restoration, and its presentation is superb. The seats and door trims wear matching Gray cloth upholstery that shows no appreciable wear, and the carpet is spotless. The dash is a thing of beauty, and the custom stitching on the passenger side makes a bold but classy statement. The bright trim pieces are in nice shape, adding an air to the interior that would make any journey feel like a special occasion. The only known flaw is a cracked rear armrest ashtray. It may not feature the luxury of air conditioning, but the front and rear “flipper” windows ensure there is more than enough fresh air to provide occupant comfort on the hottest days. The dash features a factory clock and AM radio, helping to relieve boredom on long journeys.
This 1951 Kaiser Deluxe 2-Door Sedan is a lovely classic that would suit someone seeking a vehicle they can enjoy immediately. It would happily cruise on the open road, but its condition would guarantee it would be equally comfortable at a show or a Cars & Coffee event. The low production total means the winning bidder will unlikely find themselves parked beside an identical example in those circumstances. If a turnkey classic from the 1950s is on your Wish List, bidding on this Kaiser could transform that dream into reality.
- Location: Middletown, Connecticut
- Mileage: 64,000 Miles
- Engine: 226ci Flathead Six
- Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
- VIN: K-512-053514
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
2manyvettes bid $6,800.00 2023-08-11 08:35:17
MDLFNGR bid $6,700.00 2023-08-11 07:04:07- 2manyvettes bid $6,600.00 2023-08-10 12:07:05
- MDLFNGR bid $6,500.00 2023-08-10 11:39:48
- 2manyvettes bid $6,000.00 2023-08-10 03:36:22
Whogas bid $5,600.00 2023-08-09 19:30:46- 2manyvettes bid $5,500.00 2023-08-08 16:25:32
- MDLFNGR bid $5,000.00 2023-08-08 14:59:29
- 2manyvettes bid $3,875.00 2023-08-07 13:46:09
Gustavo benso bid $3,750.00 2023-08-06 14:51:24- 2manyvettes bid $3,500.00 2023-08-06 14:49:29
- Gustavo benso bid $3,100.00 2023-08-06 06:58:26
Smokey917 bid $2,400.00 2023-08-04 16:02:59- 2manyvettes bid $2,000.00 2023-08-04 15:05:05
J4Co bid $1,900.00 2023-08-04 15:01:06- 2manyvettes bid $1,500.00 2023-08-04 09:32:53
Great example of a really RARE classic/collectible car!😊🇺🇸
You don’t see a two door Kaiser, everyday. Nice car. GLWTA
Beautiful car. Not as cool as the Daren sports car featured awhile back, but, why the cheesy steering wrap ? I’m sure that’s not period correct.
Unique in that they used the same doors as used in the 4 door. I had one, same year and enjoyed driving it on the back roads. Not a powerhouse but very smooth ride
2speed automatic? I am sure it is the 4 speed GM hydromatic.
Thanks for catching that Vince!
All this car needs is a 425 dual quad Buick nailhead, 4 speed, neatly installed by some one who cares–that would be ME. Detail the engine compartment and make it look like it should be there. It would be a beautiful cruising machine. A beautiful rare car. No lets make if enjoyable
I agree would look and run awesome
From what I’ve read, Kaiser was in the midst of putting together a deal with Buick to use their nailhead engines in these, but the war in Korea erupted and Buick’s resources went to the war efforts and the deal fell through.
Had the same car in that loud lime green color in high school early 60’s. Bought for $150 with 29k on it. Was laughed at by the ’32 and ’40 Ford, and ’50 Olds owners, but it was a nice ride and never let me down. Nice big back seat. Unfortunately I hit a tree on a rainy night. Wish I still had it.
The interior has apparently been nicely refurbished but is not nearly authentic. Note the decorative motif on the instrument panel which is not original.
Nitpick
Why is it anything im interested in is a million mi away..lol. Rarely do I see anything close to Mississippi.
Give our shipping guy, Dakota, a call. He can get you a quote on getting it shipped to Mississippi. His number is (971) 246-6601 and give him our promo code: barnfinds22
I can assist with a couple of shippers too if needed.
Shipping is lots cheaper than needed body work
First off… This is a beautifully done Kaiser. Very nice.
Secondly…. No one….. And I mean NO ONE….. Can even think about complaining about not having enough photos!!!
Very nicely done. Hope it goes to a good home.
“Dare to be different” Sometimes the independents were a little too daring. Has to be one of the most 4dr looking 2drs out there. Nice car though, and a rare sight to see. All we need now is a Frazier, gotta be one of those sitting in a barn somewhere
Hi All,
I am representing the seller. The car is located in Middletown, CT.
I have an escrow account, a couple of northeast transport companies I work with regularly and even a financial institution that specializes in classic car loans if needed/desired.
I will monitor the auction and answer any questions I can as soon as I can.
BTW – The same owner has a 1949 Kaiser-Frazer Vagabond I’m going to be listing for him… A little rough but running and driving car.
This 85 year old car geek was feeling his oats yesterday and wrote a negative comment about the sun visor on this car. My comment was removed and I want to apologize to those that read the comment before it was deleted. I stated that I would love to buy the car if I didn’t already have several cars in storage as of now (just sold my ’49 Cadillac last month). I ask that someone please buy this car and take it to a GOOD home. I believe it will take good care of you if you take care of it. I also believe it will go down as one of the best bargains of the year. How about it guys who going to step up to the plate. Everybody have a good day and good luck to everyone.
The visor is a great period accessory which K-F offered. It unfortunately obscures one of the great ’51 Kaiser styling cues, the “cleavage ” windshield.
I was 9 years old when this came out on the market. I thought it looked cool then, and I still like the looks of it. Again, this would be a neat car in my area (a lot of old geezers here) and it would bring back a lot of memories as well. Very nice looking, someone took good care of it, and I hope it goes to someone who will continue to keep it original as much as possible. This one made me smile just to look at it.
I had one a few years ago and drove it up to the local Burger King for breakfast. I was surrounded by old guys and 30 minutes later I had sold it. Guy and his wife rode in the back seat as we took it to his house (really too old to drive). His wife made it very clear she was not on board with the purchase
What is the DOT date of the tires?
I cannot find a DOT date code on these tires. They may be repros? The current owner did not put them on. Tires in great condition, no abnormal wear, no dry rot. Just don’t know how old they are.
I was born way too late to experience any of these post war cars, I have never even driven/rode in one, but it looks like it would be a blast to cruise around in, if one had a giant garage to collect such gems.
If I am not mistaken the government required the tire manufactures to put the DOT numbers on one side only so the numbers may be on the back side which would be the black wall
Best of luck to everyone,
Bill
The DOT number is on the black wall side. Xxyy week/year. Required by Federal Law. Some very famous old car mfg have sold 4 year old dates as new. Giving one 2 to 3 years of life left. Tread depth and external appearances mean nothing as to what is going on inside the tire. 5 tire replacements for this car will run $1400 – $2000
Hi All,
I know that most of the tire companies now give their tires a 7 year life span. However, according to a friend of mine who works for a rather large tire manufacturer ( I will not say what brand but they often use initials), he said that the tire life and date coding is a guide, not a set date that a tire is going to fail, sort of like a sell by date on food or medication exp. date. The food doesn’t go bad on that date, the Tylenol doesn’t stop working. He also mentioned that it’s a GREAT way for tire manufacturers to get car owners to buy new tires.
A tire that is cared for, kept inflated, rolled, not dry rotted, kept inside, etc. can last well past the date on the side.
Bimmer and Michael, you are correct that the date is most probably on the black wall side, unfortunately, I can’t see it in any of my hi res photos and I won’t be able to get to the car before the auction ends to confirm the date.
In seeing these tires in person, I’d have no hesitation in taking them at highway speeds (not prolonged 80, but 60-65), the tread feels supple, not hard. In my opinion, this car doesn’t need tires, if someone is the high bidder and they meet the reserve, the choice to replace them is theirs.
I also know of many tires that can be purchased for this car from TireRack for much less than $1400 for a set. If you want to call Coker, that’s a different story.
Hi All,
I just want to thank everyone for the comments and the bids and of course our wonderful BarnFinds staff for their input in making the auction happen.
We have rec’d an acceptable offer on her, so she may very well be sold.
Thanks!