Lot #

7928

Location

Rocklin, CA 95765

Seller

Private

1603 TMU

350ci Chevy V8

Automatic

Teal

Gray

K481028484

Opening Bid: $1,000 Time Left:
Questions Place Bid

1948 Kaiser Special Sedan – Fuel-Injected 350ci V8 – 3-Speed Automatic – Restomod

The Kaiser Special holds an important place in automotive history as the debut model from one of America’s major post-war independent automakers. Designed under the influence of Howard “Dutch” Darrin, its modern “pontoon” styling moved away from pre-war separate fenders, introducing a smooth, slab-sided body style that influenced subsequent industry designs.

This particular 1948 Kaiser Special Sedan has been modified into a Restomod, replacing its original powertrain with a 350ci V8 engine, Holley Sniper 2 electronic fuel injection, and a Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission. Finished in metallic teal with multi-color graphics, the car combines its vintage aesthetic and two-piece split windshield with practical mechanical updates, including four-wheel disc brakes, power steering, and an upgraded cooling system.

Highlights

350ci V8 with Holley Sniper 2 EFI and a Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission
Four-wheel disc brakes, power steering, and Holley Hyper-spark ignition installed in 2025
Custom metallic teal paint with unique multi-color body graphics applied in the mid-1990s
Offered with a clean California title, service records, a car cover, and an assortment of spare parts

Engine & Drivetrain

350 cubic-inch V8 modified under current ownership
Holley Sniper 2 electronic fuel injection, Holley Hyper-spark ignition, and an in-tank fuel pump
Aluminum radiator with an electric cooling fan, a transmission cooler, and an Evil Energy coolant expansion tank
Three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission equipped with a shortened driveshaft, a frame brace, and new output and shift shaft seals
Dual exhaust system with dual rear exits
Upgraded 12-volt system with a chrome alternator and a battery replaced in April 2026
Engine mounts, valve cover gaskets, transmission filter, pan gasket, and transmission mount were replaced in 2025

Exterior

Metallic teal paint accented by yellow and white multi-color graphics running along the beltline and rear fenders, applied in the mid-1990s
Upgraded modern H4 headlights
Body-color front and rear bumpers, a driver-side peep mirror, a rear fender-mounted antenna, and a two-piece split windshield

Interior

Front split-bench seat with a fold-down center armrest and a full rear bench seat
Gray cloth upholstery extending from the seats across to the door panels
Wood-rimmed aftermarket steering wheel, a floor-mounted shifter topped with a polished round knob, and an under-dash heater unit
Factory 100-mph analog speedometer and supplementary gauges, augmented by a digital Holley Sniper display tracking engine speed, coolant temperature, and air/fuel ratios

Chassis & Suspension

Independent front setup with coil springs; live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and twin-tube shocks
Four-wheel disc brakes equipped with braided stainless-steel lines
Power steering pump system retrofitted in 2025
15-inch steel wheels wearing chrome hubcaps, custom dice-style valve stem caps, and Nexen tires

Known Imperfections

Pitted chrome trim, paint chips, and body scrapes are visible along the body
Corrosion is present on various underside components
Factory Oil, Amp, Temp, and Fuel dash gauges are inoperable
Doom light is inoperable

Ownership History

The V8 swap and transmission installation occurred under previous ownership
Acquired by the current seller in April 2025, who added approximately 2,000 miles and oversaw the installation of the fuel injection, braking, and steering updates

Additional Info

Service records from recent work are included
Custom-fit car cover and miscellaneous spare parts, including chrome exterior trim pieces, an uninstalled wiring harness, carpets, replacement front vent window glass, sound-deadening material, and new weatherstripping
Clean California title in the seller’s name

The original trim tag decodes as follows:

MODEL: 481 – 1948 Kaiser Special
BODY: 5 – 4-Door Sedan
PAINT: 101 – Onyx Black
TRIM: 121 – Gray Cloth

This 1948 Kaiser Special Restomod marries rare, post-war streamline design with modern fuel-injected V8 performance and safety enhancements like four-wheel disc brakes. It represents an approachable turn-key opportunity for any collector seeking a distinct, conversation-starting cruiser…

–