The Henry J was the brainchild of Henry J. Kaiser, of Kaiser-Frazier automobile prominence, created with the main intention of attracting budget-minded buyers. There’s an interesting story about how this car was initially inexpensive, as Kaiser-Frazer received a government loan to assist in its development. There were a few non-negotiable particulars, including that it had to hold a minimum of 5 adults and cost no more than $1,300. In 1952, the improved (and higher-priced) Henry J Corsair was introduced, offering more attractive styling details and a higher-quality of workmanship. This 1953 Henry J Corsair Deluxe here on Facebook Marketplace appears to be in excellent condition for the most part, and it seems likely ready for the next owner to enjoy. This one’s in Lancaster, California, and comes with an asking price of $15,000. T.J., thanks a lot for providing the tip here!
1953 was an important year for Kaiser-Frazer, as that’s when it acquired the troubled Willys-Overland company with its eyes on the Jeep, since Henry saw lots of potential in that model. However, I’m not sure if that timing had much to do with the relatively short life of the Henry J, with manufacturing beginning in 1950 and ceasing in 1954, since sales fell each year the car was in production. The seller here is a man of few words and offers only a handful of specifics about his Corsair, but the photos seem to show a body that’s still in nice shape, with the black paint displaying a fine glossy luster overall. Those extra-wide whitewall tires are reported as new, and I’m not seeing anything obvious outside that’s begging for immediate attention, though the driver’s door looks like it might be just a bit duller than the rest of the exterior.
While the base Corsair was powered by a 4-cylinder engine, splurging for the Corsair Deluxe got you an inline-6, which is what can be found here. However, it’s fairly small, measuring in at 161 cubic inches, and has a factory horsepower rating of 80. Thankfully, everything in the bay appears to be in good order, although little information has been shared about the mechanical condition. The 3-on-the-tree shifted manual transmission sounds like fun to operate, just don’t expect particularly exhilarating performance while you’re driving this one.
The condition of the interior appears nearly as good as the exterior, although it would be helpful to know whether this car has been restored or is primarily original and has always looked this strong. Though the statement is a bit vague, the seller reports that there are many extra new parts, but hopefully they won’t be needed for a long time to come. I’d probably also ask for the skeletons visible in some of the pictures to be thrown in if I paid anywhere near the asking price. Is this 1953 Corsair one you’d be interested in owning?
This is one of the nicest-looking Corsairs I’ve seen in awhile. The price may seem high, but it wouldn’t be outrageous for a 6 cyl. Deluxe model in #3 condition.
A friend of mine had the plain Jane model in the late 60’s, and it certainly was plan Jane! Not even a trunk opening and a lot less chrome. I seem to recall that even the bumpers were painted. And the interior in this one is certainly an upgrade from that one – as I recall the seats were some sort of cloth. Four cylinder, no overdrive and barely able to get out of its own way on any kind of hill. I like the condition and look of this one.
a real trunk and a real glove box – the original buyer sprung for everything. It looks like the wiper arms are MIA.
Awfully formal/serious color for a little car like this. It needs to be some bright cheery color.
A man that owned the building our little dealership was located in was a Kaiser dealer and when they went under he switched to Ford. He had sold all the Kaisers except one Henry J which he took home. He died back in the eighties and still owned it, I believe it had under 10K miles on it
Mike Stephens, THANK YOU for telling us the location of this Henry J
A lifetime ago, I had a 53 Henry J with 4cyl. Neighbor nicknamed it “the chicken”. When the water pump went out, I changed it myself. First time I had ever done any repair on any car myself. Now, 50+ years later, I’m almost back to not working on any car because I’m once again afraid I’ll screw something up not knowing what I’m doing. I may be done with anything but oil changes, wiper blades and checking/adding fluids. Circle of life, I guess.
I’ve always liked these little cars (and the Sears & Roebuck Allstate version) but found the name comical. The famous WW2 Corsair was a big, heavy and very fast fighter plane. The Henry J was none of those things. :-) Terry J
How did this one survive not being an A gasser?
Not too late, I guess.
There’s a bright yellow one buzzing around Prescott, AZ. These are cute!
Nice J!
I think the Allstate in 1952 is what killed the Henry J. The ’51 had nothing but the bare bones, but the Alstate was equipped as you see this 1953 example of the Henry J. Kaiser quickly got on board with the refinements that Sears & Roebuck had demanded for their Alstate version; hence the Deluxe. Always a cute little car, but not something which, at my age, I would want to climb into, then later unfold myself to get out of!
Nice J but I agree that there is something “amiss” with the drivers door.
Looks to have been dented, repaired, and the lower 3/4 re-painted in a non-matching coating which also has not weathered as well as the original paint elsewhere. And the panels and frame do not align well with that door — evidence of “on the corner” self-trained body-work. Note also the wear-though on the steering wheel rim.