It’s been decades since the last Kaiser automobile rolled off the assembly line, as Kaiser Motors officially ceased operations in 1953, so younger car enthusiasts don’t talk much about the defunct brand anymore. When the name does come up, it’s often praise for the Kaiser Darrin sports car, which is understandable as it’s now a rare and valuable two-seater with unusual sliding doors. However, another non-conventional offering from the company was the Kaiser Traveler, like this 1952 model here on Facebook Marketplace. This one’s been restored, looks great, and is listed for $33,950. It’s located in Sioux City, Iowa, and we’d like to thank reader Zappenduster for spotting this early hatchback and sending in the tip!
I couldn’t find an exact count of the Travelers Kaiser produced in 1952, but some estimates put that number around 1,000, and the seller reports that only a handful of survivors are known to the Kaiser-Frazier registry. This one is said to have undergone an incredible restoration, and although it’s not specifically noted what received attention during the process, it looks beautiful now from just about every angle. Perhaps the most notable feature is the double-opening rear hatchback, with the glass raising up and the deck lid swinging backward, providing over 80 feet of available cargo space with the back seat folded down.
The interior also has some cool features, with the deluxe models coming with pleated and embossed vinyl upholstery. This same material also appears on the door panels, and I like that the metal areas inside match the lower half of the exterior. Apparently, Kaiser used real wood on the folded seatback and rear floor section, although it’s not specified if it’s the same lumber this one left the factory with. The dash and instruments are looking good as well, with the original radio still present and reported as working.
The only engine available was a 226 cubic-inch inline-6, which delivered 115 horsepower. A 3-speed manual with a column shifter came standard, but this one has the optional GM-sourced Hydra-Matic with four forward gears. It’s also described as a turnkey example, so hopefully there’s nothing left to do but drive it to car shows and be ready to answer the swarm of questions that will inevitably come your way. Is this 1952 Kaiser Traveler a piece of automotive history you’d be interested in owning?
Beautiful restoration. GLWTS.