Here comes the biggest news in the American, post-war automotive scene: the Kaiser, built by shipbuilding magnate Henry J. Kaiser, who has made himself famous during the conflict with his ability of mass-producing cargo ships to support the war effort. Despite its very modern “pontoon” design, the Kaiser is somewhat disappointing, its manufacturer having, along the years, promised a revolutionary popular car, then a front-wheel drive, unitized construction sedan. All of these projects have given way to a much more conventional automobile, which is nothing more than a lower-priced Frazer. Nevertheless, Henry J. Kaiser and his partner Joseph W. Frazer have great ambitions for their cars, having secured the Willow Run plant - the largest factory in the world - for their production.
Kaiser Special
With a pleasing new body penned by designer Howard “Dutch” Darrin hiding a rather conventional mechanical arrangement, the Kaiser is introduced in August 1946, though production starts as early as June. Power is provided by a Continental six, while the gearbox is a Borg-Warner. Being the only brand new car in America, apart from the Studebaker, it immediately records a sizeable success.
● Introduction: June 1946 for the original Frazer, August 1946 for its Kaiser counterpart. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 100 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engine: inline six, 3.7-litre, 112 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Length: 516 cm. Top speed: 125 kph. Range: four-door sedan.
Kaiser Custom
Near the end of the model year, Kaiser introduces a more refined Custom variant of its car. It is priced between the two models proposed by Frazer, which does not help providing a particular identity to the two new brands.
● Introduction: June 1946 for the original Frazer, August 1946 for its Kaiser counterpart, September 1947 for the Custom. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 100 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engine: inline six, 3.7-litre, 112 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Length: 516 cm. Top speed: 125 kph. Range: four-door sedan.
Any mistake you’ve just spotted? A detail to add? A suggestion? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment!
Click to jump to another model year of the same car: 1947 – 1948 – 1949 – 1950
Click here to return to a list of all Kaiser vehicles presented on this blog.
Click here to return to this blog’s initial post, featuring a list of all vehicles already presented.
Kaiser Special
With a pleasing new body penned by designer Howard “Dutch” Darrin hiding a rather conventional mechanical arrangement, the Kaiser is introduced in August 1946, though production starts as early as June. Power is provided by a Continental six, while the gearbox is a Borg-Warner. Being the only brand new car in America, apart from the Studebaker, it immediately records a sizeable success.
● Introduction: June 1946 for the original Frazer, August 1946 for its Kaiser counterpart. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 100 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engine: inline six, 3.7-litre, 112 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Length: 516 cm. Top speed: 125 kph. Range: four-door sedan.
Kaiser Custom
Near the end of the model year, Kaiser introduces a more refined Custom variant of its car. It is priced between the two models proposed by Frazer, which does not help providing a particular identity to the two new brands.
● Introduction: June 1946 for the original Frazer, August 1946 for its Kaiser counterpart, September 1947 for the Custom. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 100 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engine: inline six, 3.7-litre, 112 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Length: 516 cm. Top speed: 125 kph. Range: four-door sedan.
Any mistake you’ve just spotted? A detail to add? A suggestion? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment!
Click to jump to another model year of the same car: 1947 – 1948 – 1949 – 1950
Click here to return to a list of all Kaiser vehicles presented on this blog.
Click here to return to this blog’s initial post, featuring a list of all vehicles already presented.
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