Motorcar Classics
380 Smith Street
Farmingdale, NY 11735
1954 Kaiser Darrin Convertible for sale! Motorcar Classics is pleased to offer this unique Kaiser Darrin, 1 of only 435 production cars ever made.
Legend holds that Howard "Dutch" Darrin's design for a sports car built of that new post-war miracle material, fiberglass, did not particularly move industrialist Henry J. Kaiser. Kaiser was a practical sort, and there was not much 'practical' about this sporty roadster. For his wife, Alyce, it was another story altogether, and in the end, Henry J.'s salesman side gave the lady what she wanted. The Kaiser-Darrin was America's first production fiberglass sports car, with its prototype debuting in fall 1952-just ahead of the Chevrolet Corvette (although production did not begin until 1954).
It was powered by the reliable Willys 161-cubic inch "Hurricane" F-head six-cylinder engine, and its design became a legend off 1950s motoring, with sweeping front fenders that plunged behind the doors into a "Darrin dip," a split windshield, and a distinctive "rosebud" grille, which, it was commented, always looked like it wanted to give someone a kiss.
Most fascinating of all were Darrin's beloved "pocket" doors, which slide forward into the front fenders to permit entry and exit. Darrin promoted sliding doors for decades, claiming that they were a very safe alternative as they did not open into traffic. While the idea never quite caught on, they remain a Kaiser-Darrin trademark, and one of its best-remembered features."
This example comes to us on consignment with its current longtime local Long Island, NY owner. The odometer reads 8,282 miles on the original engine which was rebuilt approximately 25 years ago. Presented in Yellow Satin paint and matching Satin yellow upholstery this Kaiser is in excellent condition and has won Best In Show at various car events. The paint and interior are original and in excellent condition along with the brightwork. The car runs and drives well and is mechanically sound. The wheels are 15 -inch steel equipped with factory stainless steel wire wheel covers paired with extra wide white wall tires to complete the look.
This is undoubtedly one of the finest American sport cars designs ever produced. There have been several attempts to recreate this design but to date this still is the only example of a fiberglass sliding door roadster in existence. This example comes with a dust car cover, 6 volt battery minder, Hershey Award, detachable satin yellow isinglass side curtains and wooden storage case, original manual and original parts list catalogue. This historic car is ready for its next caretaker!
| Year: | 1954 |
| Make: | Kaiser |
| Model: | Darrin |
| Mileage: | 8282 |
| Exterior Color: | Yellow |
| Interior Color: | Yellow |
| Trim: | Convertible |
| Body: | Convertible |
| Stock: | 3110 |
| Engine Size: | Willys 161-ci |
| Transmission: | Manual |
| Vin: | 00000000161001136 |
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SPECIALIZING IN EXOTIC & CLASSIC CAR SALES
Motorcar Classics specializes in the sale, trade and consignment of vintage and late model high-line, exotic and other collectible cars. Our collection features both vintage and contemporary exotic, luxury and collectible automobiles from such famed marques as Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Chevy, Aston Martin, Mercedes, BMW, Rolls Royce, Bentley, and many others. Among American automobiles we favor both stock and modified examples from the 1930s to the most recent limited edition performance cars. With over 200 vehicles in inventory and 80,000+ square feet of showroom & warehouse space, Motorcar Classics is one of the largest and highest rated exotic and classic car dealerships in the country. We carry the very best examples of cars that have either been beautifully restored or low-mileage, pristine original cars. Additionally, Motorcar Classics offers premier luxury car storage services.
Buying cars at a distance has never been easier or more secure. Choose the car you want and we will help you perform complete due diligence including personal and/or independent inspection. Our extensive network of clients and colleagues allow us to search for the specific car you are looking for. We want you to purchase your car with confidence. Every one of our cars for sale is meticulously photographed in our photo studio so you can examine every detail of these rolling works of art. Our sales team are lifelong enthusiasts and collectors of fine automobiles. We are enthusiasts first, and always happy to share our knowledge and experience. Please think of Motorcar Classics as a valued resource to help you buy, sell, trade, or refine your collection.
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