1952 Kaiser Manhattan - RESTORED - Darrin Designed Beauty!

1952 Kaiser Manhattan - RESTORED - Darrin Designed Beauty!

1952 Kaiser Manhattan

Henry J. Kaiser's bid to compete with the Detroit "Big 3" following WWII was in full-force by 1952. To help his company stand-out. Kaiser featured innovative designs and bright colors. several years before other automakers would catch on to the public's postwar taste for bubblegum and chrome. In that vein. Kaiser called upon the legendary designer. Howard "Dutch" Darrin to help give the Kaiser a distinctive new look. Darrin's touch is clearly evident in this 1952 Manhattan. From the low stance. rolled padded dashboard (which Darrin previously used in his 1940 Packard custom styling) and the curved "Darrin dip" along the door line. the "Dutch Touch" is everywhere. The public responded by purchasing 15. 39 Manhattans in 1952. High production by Kaiser standards. but a far cry from the nearly 320. 00 Chevrolets produced that same year. Of course. a Chevy looked nothing like a Manhattan!

This particular car has been collector-owned for many years. It has been restored as needed over the years. with recent new two-tone Cerulean Blue/Turquoise paint. restored chrome and stainless. 5 new Goodyear wide whitewall radial tires and most significantly. a full rebuild of the bulletproof Continental 6 engine.

Even today. the styling is a standout. Just during my time of driving this car to take the photos you see here. I was stopped numerous times by admirers who wanted to know all about it and fawned over the unique look of this car. which was truly years ahead of anything else on the road in 1952. Other than seat covers and rear carpet. the interior is completely original. including the tan faux alligator skin (Kaiser dubbed it "Dragon skin") dashboard and door panel accents.

Mechanically. the car runs whisper quiet with no smoke and plenty of power. The dual range Hydramatic transmission shifts well and the car is a pleasure to drive in modern traffic. The brakes stop the car smooth and straight. Car is equipped with radio. heater and defroster. There is a spare radio in a box in the trunk. along with many spare parts and extra trim pieces. which will be included with the sale.

This car would be a standout whether driving around town. on tours. or at any cruise-in or show. When have you seen another?

A realistic reserve has been placed on the car in keeping with its condition and rarity. Bid to win.

Thanks for looking and GOOD LUCK!

WE WILL HAPPILY SELL TO BIDDERS WORLDWIDE.

Winning bidder please contact us within 24 hours of auction close. A deposit of $2000 is due via PayPal at that time. Vehicle deposits are non-refundable. per PayPal and eBay policy. Balance due in certified U. S. funds via bank wire transfer within 7 days of auction close. We do not accept overseas bank drafts or cashier's checks. Vehicle has a clear title and is being sold by the owner. with our assistance. Please call David at 503-309-7729 between 9am and 9pm Pacific Time with any questions. Thank you.


Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer and not included in the auction price. Vehicle must be picked up within 14 days of payment. unless other arrangements have been made. Note that vehicle will be shipping from the Portland. Oregon area with easy access to interstate highways (I-5: north-south. and I-84 east). We will gladly assist your carrier with loading.


Please ask all questions before bidding. Your personal inspection is invited before the close of the auction. Only you know if the vehicle is right for you. All descriptions are based upon information provided by the seller and our own personal inspection of the vehicle. Obviously. with any collector vehicle there are internal areas that cannot be inspected. but description will be based upon the seller's representations and our observation of the vehicle. For that reason. the vehicle in this listing is being sold "as-is" with no warranties of any kind expressed or implied. Mileage listed is that showing on the odometer and unless otherwise noted. cannot be verified due to the age of the vehicle. By participating in this auction. the bidder agrees to these terms.


Charvet Classic Cars is not a dealership or brokerage. I simply assist sellers (all of whom are my personal friends) to find new appreciative homes for their special vehicles. I have been an eBay seller with 100% positive feedback since 1998. and involved with classic cars for many years. I like these cars as much as you do! If you e-mail or call with questions. you will receive my personal attention and knowledge to help you make an informed decision. Thank you - David Charvet


You may e-mail by asking a question through the eBay site. or call me at 503-309-7729 between 9am and 9pm Pacific Time.

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