It’s been decades since the last Kaiser automobile rolled off the assembly line, so younger car enthusiasts don’t talk much about this 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.
Agreed. That is a slick looking car.
I’m with Kurt. This is an amazing restoration, both inside and out. Beautiful colors too. This would make a nice companion to that ’48 blue and white one we saw on here a few days ago. That would be a nice sight, two nicely restored Kaisers together in a garage. It’s a lot of money, but you couldn’t restore one for that.
I’m with both you guys, what a beauty. Agree you couldn’t come close to a restoration like that for the price of the car.
Kaiser didn’t cease operations in 1953, except possibly in a narrow corporate naming sense. It just merged with Willys-Overland and moved production to Ohio, where it continued to build Kaisers until 1955.
Nice example, but is there really a $30k-plus market for these sedans? Price seems overly optimistic at best.
Thanks for clarifying the Kaiser Motors date, and yes, over thirty grand is a lot of money here. I wouldn’t be surprised though if someone eventually doesn’t find it interesting enough to drop that kind of cash, especially given its strong condition. Let’s keep an eye on this car and see if it sells quickly or hangs around in the market!
Mike, I’ve never seen a Traveler with this extent of chrome, but then again, who has seen more than one Kaiser Traveler in their lifetime (I’ve seen Frasier ‘travelers’…called something else). Our family’s 1951 was bare-bones basic with the 3 on the tree and OD. I can assure you that the back of the back seat was metal as was all of the rear area. I sat it in often enough as a kid with the rear window open in the summer coming back from the Croton River swimming area called Black Rock (a misnomer if ever there was one since no black folks were allowed). I thought that the Kaisers were really pretty cars for their time, and the late Manhattans with their beautiful taillights were the best of the breed. Too bad that they couldn’t find or build a proper V8.
I really like the Kaiser dashes like this one has.
WOW!!! What a great car!!!! $30k (+/-) is a reasonable price for a turkey entry into the classic car hobby. With that unusual rear trunk lid opening the way this car does it will be a show stopper at any event.. And this car even has an automatic transmission so you youngin’s can drive it!!!
The value is up to the beholder on this one. A certain Rexford, New York resident in a very fine house has had a whole small army of 1951 and newer “Dutch” Darrin Kaisers on display beside his home, along with other interesting 1938-1955 vehicles. There are not many people “hot” after a Kaiser these days; indeed, there are not that many much younger than I who even remember the marque. But, especially because of their uniqueness, they have a very dedicated following. They were fine, innovative, and under-appreciated cars, in their time; and especially given the quality of this one, I could see drooping 30 grand to own it… only, I don’t have that 30 grand!
these are krazy, love ‘em. The ‘chevron eyebrow’ on windshield top. Wonder Y it’s not shown w/rear (‘hatch’) opened? I think Hudson or another made same era sedan/wagon type as this. Then we havea nash w/frnt ‘fold back’ seat for bed too (wonder if steering wheel gets in the way?)
I think the demographic is gone for 30K$. Probably lookin to get back what put in (only happens w/very disreable ones). Museaum may B nxt owner @ that price?
The Dragon models had choice of the “Dragon leather” dash and upholstery, or a bamboo themed design. (The vinyl roof, as well!)
The ad guy got carried away, but a cool car.
That car is gorgeous!
That, it IS, Randy (and everyone else)!!! If only I could, I would own it just for THAT!
You left out the most striking picture in the ad—the one of the wood trimmed cargo area. These are beautiful cars in person.