Vehicle Description
1948 Kaiser Special
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...
