While it’s true you don’t see many of these Henry Js anymore, it isn’t the limited production that makes this car particularly rare. It’s the fact that it’s survived without being modified. For a number of years, these lightweight cars were popular with the drag racing crowd to turn into V8 powered tire scorchers. This one has been parked in the desert outside Las Vegas, Nevada, so the only rubber it’s been scorching are the rubber gaskets and seals. However, it has a cool look to it, is complete and looks to be solid. You can find it here on eBay with a current bid of $3,300 and no reserve.
Henry J Kaiser had big hopes for these little cars. In an attempt to build affordable transportation, he designed, developed and built the Henry J. They did prove to be cheap, but they were also small and slow. Power was initially provided by a 134 cui flathead inline 4 with about 68 horsepower. Later cars received an 80 horsepower inline 6, but that still didn’t get you anywhere in a hurry. Given their simplicity, low curb weight and low price tag they attracted more than a few racers looking to build a fast and unique car.
Whether you are going to restore it or customize it, this one is going to be a good starting point. The dry heat of Nevada destroys interiors, gaskets and seals, but keeps metal from decaying rapidly. You might have to replace all the interior and rubber bits, but that’s still easier than fixing rust. Personally, I’d install something unique under the hood, replace the interior and sort out the rest of the mechanical systems. So what kind of engine would be unique in this? I’m thinking a modern 3 cylinder turbo would be fun and surprisingly fast. Ford’s new 1.5 liter 3 cylinder is rated at 200 horsepower, which would definitely make this Henry more lively! So what would you do with this one?
How about a Hemi with Hillborn injection and a straight axle!! What a gem!
How about do ground up restore and leave it that way;) There is so few, look around for one already done or missing motor/trans.
I like it as is.
Exactly!!!
Unrestored Original is the way to go, AND the most popular today (if you can getting running).
Are the horses included ?
Perfect as is just restore to original. Looks like a lot of cool stuff sitting around like that faded red third gen Camaro Z/28 or IROC lurking in the weeds?
Cool! – but I’m holding out for an Allstate.
There is a restored one currently listed on eBay.
Steve R
I’m with the others, this one should be restored…
Looks like it’s priced right, too.
Like ! And keep at least one stock….oh wait….there’s that guy that drives one on a hill climb on pavement that all ways does well !
I love it; tho I have a soft spot in my heart for the oddballs. Get it running, & driveable, and just take good care of it. Only a handful of these little ones left in any form, even fewer in un-modified. An even rarer bird would be the Allstate variant of the Henry J.
In the 70’s, I worked for an asphalt co. and in a shed, the owner had a Henry J covered with an inch of dust, but you could still make out the “Henry J” script. This particular car has a few options, like the trunk lid and hood ornament, heater, but these, as you can see, were pretty basic cars. No glove box, sun visors or roll down back windows. In case that motor looks familiar, it’s right out of a Jeep CJ3A.
Same old thing.We purists would love to see this car restored original,( better yet, tell the ya-hoo car designers, be nice to buy a new car like this today) but someone will no doubt make a gasser out of it. Do people still do that? Take neat classics, like this, and spend 6 figures to hardly ever use it, ( then sell it for a fraction of the build cost)
Were some of these equipped without trunks?
Yes. Cargo area accessed by climbing into the back seat. Similar to early Nash Metropolitans and the 2 passenger Gremlin except… no back seat there.
Here is a link to some info for the 52. Trunk lid and folding rear seat optional.
51 brochure didn’t give as many details.
http://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Kaiser-Frazer/1952_Kaiser/1952%20Henry%20J%20Corsair%20Foldout/image5.html
Wikipedia says that early Henry J. didn’t have a trunk lid, plus : “cost-saving measure was to offer the car only as a two-door sedan with fixed rear windows. Also lacking in the basic version were glove compartment, armrests, passenger-side inside sun visor and flow-through ventilation.”
I remember going to a Sears Roebuck store with my dad, in the 50’s (he loved those Craftsman tools) and seeing the Allstate version of this car in the tool department. I was so concerned about how they got that car in there and how they were going to get it out. That same Sears store closed for the last time this past December.
The “Allstate” cars mentioned above were Henry Js re-badged and sold by Sears & Roebuck in 1952 & ’53. Altogether 2363 were sold with the Sears trim and minor interior differences. They cost around $1500. :-) Terry J
There is probably more horses wandering around the property than under the hood.
I want the old blue truck behind it. Way beyond cool.
best link
http://oldcarandtruckpictures.com/HenryJ/
definatly a ’51 B4 the fins had da tail lghts onem.
Go campin in it! Neeyees! 4 a lill compact-midsz vehicle.
Do you get to keep the dog?
He sure wants to go for a ride.