Gasser Prospect? 1952 Henry J

Henry Kaiser and Joe Frazer founded Kaiser-Frazer immediately after WWII, producing a twinned line of fresh-looking cars for a hungry market. The Kaiser Special and the Frazer Standard were attractive sedans covering both ends of the market, but neither of these satisfied Henry’s urge to build a car for Everyman. Sales were strong, however, providing the funds for Henry to return to his downmarket goals. After years of off-and-on development, the Henry J was launched in 1950 – and basic it was. To save money, the car had no trunk lid, no glove box, and no ventilation. Only one body style was offered – a two-door sedan – and its rear windows were fixed. Despite the spartan approach, the car still cost almost the same as a full-featured Chevy sedan. But it was cute and easy on gas, so some 80,000 were sold in its first year. Its day in the sun didn’t last: the Big Three were out with new post-war sheet metal, and buyers flocked to their showrooms. The Henry J was made through 1954, but in that year, just 1153 units were sold, and they may have been leftovers from 1953. Here on facebook Marketplace is a 1952 Henry J looking for a new home. The price is $2800, and it’s located in a Claremore, Oklahoma driveway. Zappenduster found this tip for us – thanks!

The first Henry Js received Willys’ 134.2 cu. in. four-cylinder but later, its 80 hp 161 six-cylinder – christened the Supersonic for Kaiser – became available. This motor will turn, but the seller hasn’t run it. The gearbox is a three-speed, column-shift manual. Though its mechanical components were undistinguished, the car’s 2300 lb curb weight combined with a thrifty engine helped place a Henry J at the top of the field in the 1953 Mobil Economy Run. Today, its short wheelbase and lightweight body make this model an ideal gasser prospect.

Here are a couple of reasons to dismantle this car – the interior is a mess, and it’s displaying plenty of body rust. By 1952, the Henry J had a glove box, and this example has a trunk lid too. Contrast the austerity of these sedans with the Nash Rambler: the Rambler was an inexpensive compact, but it came in a convertible body style with accessories such as a radio as standard. The Rambler substantially outsold the Henry J, giving Nash a financial lift in a tough market.

In an attempt to sell more units, Kaiser fitted a Continental kit to unsold inventory, as seen here, and called the car a Vagabond. All the badging has disappeared from this car, so it’s hard to tell if it was a Vagabond, or simply optioned with the kit. This view shows a broken rear glass, though the seller notes that the rest of the windows are intact. In terms of value, a nice unmodified Henry J sold for $7250 about a year ago; another excellent example is offered at $23k here. What’s the right track for this Henry J?