When Kaiser-Frazer was founded in 1945 – the first new automaker of the post-war period – its clean-sheet styling was a breath of fresh air. While the big three soldiered along with pre-war designs, the new marque presented sleek models with fully integrated fenders and no hint of running boards. The look was modern, and sales were strong – but the truth is, in the post-war consumer frenzy, almost any car would sell. The ebullient economy imparted confidence to every CEO who operated within it – a confidence that was not always founded in reality. The six-cylinder Frazer was a decent if unspectacular car, but it was expensive, costing $2295 at introduction. Buyers could pay just $30 more and put a V8 Cadillac in the garage. That said, the Frazer is an historically interesting car that won’t be seen at every show this summer. If you have a predilection for orphans, check out this 1951 Frazer sedan here on facebook Marketplace. The asking price is $9000, and the car is located in Navarre, Ohio. JDC – master of the unusual – found this one for us – thanks!
Kaiser-Frazer was founded by two wealthy tycoons – Henry Kaiser from the steel industry and Joseph Frazer from the auto industry. One would think that Kaiser would listen to Frazer – as he had relevant experience – but that’s not how the pair rolled. In frustration, Frazer left the company in 1951, and his portion of the branding was terminated shortly after. Today’s featured sedan is one of the last of its kind. Unfortunately, while in 1947 the Frazer seemed fresh, by ’51, it was woefully frumpy. Other automakers evolved their designs and were installing V8s. Kaiser-Frazer was still buying 115 hp flathead sixes from Continental. At least this one has a manual transmission, albeit in the form of a three-speed column-shift. The seller reports that his car runs and drives well.
Kaiser-Frazer made several models from the family-oriented Special and Deluxe to the Darrin, Virginian, and Vagabond. For most of its history, the Frazer line was the upscale choice. Here, the interior is swanky, belying the demure exterior. I like the contrast! For context, horn rings, armrests, even dual sunvisors were still considered luxury appointments in the late 1940s/early 1950s.
The company’s on-again, off-again relationship with “Dutch” Darrin left an indelible imprint: most of its cars incorporated quirky features originally from Darrin’s pen, though the designs were moderated by in-house staff. The purebred Kaiser Darrin left the stylist’s expressions intact; that model can sell for six figures. But these family sedans are found in the mid to high four-figure range. What do you think of this ’51 Frazer? Is it worth the seller’s asking price?
Nice car! If all you have to do is drive it I guess 9k is a good price, and I’d drive it every chance I got.
It looks like its in nice shape. I like that it’s a Frazer which you see a lot less of over the Kaisers. I agree with what Jim Randall said above, for 9 grand, enjoy it and drive it. And be prepared to answer lots of questions. You can use Michelles write up here as an excellent source of information.
This one is kinda rare. Joe Frazer wanted to make luxury cars and Henry Kaiser wanted an everymans car. Problem was it was basically the same car. A flathead six and manual trans. didn’t cut the mustard for a luxury car in ’51. And in ’51 the Kaisers got a new body, while the Frazers were still using the old one. They sure did give it a pretty good facelift though. They also made the only 4 door convertible at the time.
Love it for its rarity and condition. A good buy. Wonder if Mr. Leno has one of these?
A 75 year old driver in seemingly good condition for under 10k. If I was closer Id be very interested.
What’s with the 8 V battery? I know many stupid people try to replace the 6 V battery with an eight.
8V battery works OK if you adjust the regulator accordingly. Otherwise, the system continues to charge to 6V.
Nice write-up, Michelle, as usual. I beg to differ though that the 47 was a breath of fresh air….it was just as frumpy as the 51….IMO. The new Kaiser body in 51 was a breath of fresh air and totally different than anything any other manufacturer was producing. It featured a much lower profile and Dutch Darrin’s interesting widow’s peak windshield. Of course, the flat head 6 was out dated but they didn’t have the money to make or source a V8 (I believe they tried to source one, but it didn’t take).
On the instance car, I think that the pull knob to the lower left of the steering wheel might be the overdrive activator. Our 51 Kaiser Traveler (same as the Vagabond, I think) with the hatch back rear window had that lever but instead of the round knob, it had a chrome T-handle next to the handle for the vent.
And as to the 8 volt battery, finding a 6 volt today is kind of hard. Derek Bieri often uses an 8 volt when rescuing an old 6 volt system.
Yes, but number one is very hard on the lights number two. The gauges are not gonna be accurate and number three unless the generator especially adjusted it’s still gonna charge a 6 1/2 volts and you’re not going to get eight.
Wow! Banner day with another vehicle featured from my favorite era. And both orphans to boot. Seems like a good deal to me if you’re into these late forties early fifties cars and trucks. If I didn’t already have my ‘52 Plymouth I might be scheduling a road trip. GLWTS
Nice car. But in 1951, I rather took it to be a “senior Henry J” (if you know what I mean). NICE LUXURY INTERIOR!!!
I see the guy on the cold war motors channel driving one of these any chance he gets. Although his car is a ’47(?) model. Both he and Jim Randell
think alike in that regard. But the thing I wanna know is can you still get parts for a Continental Motors straight 6 today? That to
me would be the tipping point for this car. Like it? Sure I do! And I
can almost guarantee you’re gonna be the only guy in town that has one– provided your HOA
doesn’t make you sell it because
it doesn’t meet the community
aesthetic. I remember helping a
very nice Englishman trying to get
his ’55 Dodge sedan roadable after he just bought it. I was under the hood showing him how
to set something on the carburetor when this HOA goon
drove by on his golf cart giving us the evil eye. Next day, that old man got a written notice telling him he had 30 days to sell the car
or they were gonna take his house! WTF!!! Another fella who lived there had a really nice ’67
Mustang hardtop got the same notice and punched the HOA president while being served. This guy broke both the president’s nose and his jaw at the same time! Dunno what happened after that, but the board didn’t say anything else about that guy’s Mustang again.
Guess some things are still worth
fighting for.
Indeed some things are worth fighting for. If I could prove it was the local HOA thug that broke the windshield on my car for forgetting I left it on the street one night I would’ve taken them to task over it. We’d already had a staredown after another incident so I knew he/they didn’t like me, nor I them and I think they were just itching for an excuse to make an example of me.. but it didn’t work. At any rate, as far as these old girls are concerned, thank you for the channel.. I didn’t know about that one so I’ll check it out.
To correct the article, in 1951 Kaiser Frazer were not buying the engine from Continental They manufactured these engines in their own factory. Engines were initially purchased from Continental, but only in 1947 maybe into 1948. The comment at least this one has a stick shift. All of these sedans came with a stick shift, Hydramatic optional for convertibles and hardtops.