There are some really interesting items in the Kaiser-Frazer Collection, but this might be one of the more unique pieces present! It’s a scale model of a 1952 Kaiser Manhattan and while the level of detail is impressive, it’s the fact that it’s made out of wood that makes you realize it might be something special. We’ve heard stories of manufacturers making models out of various materials prior to building the actual prototype and that includes wooden models much like this one. Unfortunately, we don’t know any of the back story behind this model or who made it. Given that it was at a Kaiser Dealership, there is a good possibility that it was made specifically to have on display to wow potential customers. This one is being offered as a no-reserve auction, so be sure to cast your bids below.
Finding more history on this model could prove to be difficult, but there is a similar looking one featured in the book “Kaiser-Frazer. The Last Onslaught on Detroit” by Richard M. Langworth”. That might be a good place to start in your quest to figure out who built this one. At the end of the day, all that really matters is that it’s a cool piece of history. Whether you already own a Manhattan or just don’t have the space for a classic car, this would be a sweet item to have! It would make an amazing piece to have parked on your office desk or sitting next to your Kaiser in the garage. At just about two feet long, it’s a bit on the large size, but it shouldn’t be all that expensive or difficult to have shipped.
See the rest of the Kaiser-Frazer Collection here!
- Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma
*For parts and Automobilia, the Buyer’s Fee is 15% with no minimum
Bid On This Auction
Gimpy007 bid $1,975.00 2023-04-18 10:24:47- PMD1965 bid $1,810.00 2023-04-18 10:07:41
- Gimpy007 bid $1,800.00 2023-04-10 12:52:01
- PMD1965 bid $1,253.00 2023-04-10 11:03:36
- Gimpy007 bid $777.00 2023-04-10 10:24:30
- SRodgers bid $150.00 2023-04-10 09:53:23
- NFoss bid $110.00 2023-04-10 09:28:39
- jmolsn bid $100.00 2023-04-10 06:04:08
- Davekf bid $80.00 2023-04-09 21:08:57
*For parts and Automobilia, the Buyer’s Fee is 15% with no minimum
that. is. impressive!
This wooden model was Kaiser factory made. All auto makers made these, as part of the mfg. process of the car. These also shown the various color combinations Kaiser would consider for production models. You won’t find too many of these, a true collector’s item for sure. Scale is about 1/6 or so.
Too bad about the back bumper..
Interesting- it’s currently bid higher than the actual car also on auction. This must be one for the hard core Kaiser guys.
A friend of mine had a K-F model similar to this one also made from wood, also factory made but was a 2 door on one side and a 4 door on the other.
He dispersed his promo collection a long time ago.
I own the car that they mention in “The Last Onslaught”. Id love to have this!!!Going for awhile lot more than I thought it would