One of the lesser-known American cars that appeared after World War II was the Kaiser. This find has two pretty solid 1951 versions and a 1953 that might be charitably described as a parts car as well as some additional parts. The whole package is listed for sale here in the aaca.org forums and although they have been valued at $9,500, the sellers are inviting lower offers. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Fred H. for this great find!
We’re told that the maroon car was partially restored some time ago but never finished. The paint is actually pretty good except for a single area on the hood. The engine hasn’t been run in at least 20 years and the interior has been disassembled. The metallic green car is said to be not as nice but includes a NOS hood to replace the current one that has body filler.
This is the 1953 parts car. The seller thinks that’s all it is, but I should point out that there is a “continental kit” along with this car — does anyone know if it could be adapted to one of the 1951 cars?
This is just a sample of the many spare parts included. There’s even a complete extra engine just waiting for you.
The interior of the maroon car illustrates how long these cars have been sitting.
As does the underhood picture of the same car. That’s an inline L-head six-cylinder engine of 226 cubic inches that was rated at 115 horsepower.
This is the engine from the metallic green car. It looks a little ‘fresher’, however it it said to have sat for 20 years as well. How do you feel about these projects? Would you try to build both of the 1951 cars or sell one to help fund work on the other?
If your a real fan of Kiesers then this would be a score lots of extra parts and two restorable cars. There is an excellent example of a restomoded Kiesers that is just gorgeous on Jay lenos garage. The neat thing about these is there not an every day sight so these would garner quite a bit of attention on a cars and coffee night.
One of my uncles was a big Kaiser fan. I liked everything about the cars but the damn weird windshield. These are the first coupes that I have seen. But then the back glass is ugly like the windshield. (JMO)
Well one thing I know of is a part stash in Colorado my friend bought out a Kaiser Frazier supply house. He has hundred of part and dozens of parts cars.
Sadly, these cars don’t have a great value even after restoration. Interesting vehicle and great story behind them. So if this car is a passion for you go and do it but don’t think you can flip them and make any money.
So…No pictures of the weird hood damage other than “the area isn’t over the carb so I don’t think it was in a fire.” Barely a picture of the continental kit and what is shown looks to be overtly rusty from years of exposure to the elements. The restored maroon car looks like it suffered from a few garage mishaps too after being put into mothballs. Funny, I think I like the style of the “barely a parts car” the most! Good luck to the next owner.
Coupes are pretty hard to find. Most advertised “coupes” are really 2dr sedans like this 53. The front and rear glass as well as the side feature the Darrin Dip- a trademark of the designer Dutch Darrin. As much as I like them the asking is way optimistic, you can buy a nice Kaiser already done for $9500
I think the Eddie Munster widows peak windshield is the best feature of these cars.