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This 1952 Kaiser Deluxe is a four-door, driver-level example powered by a stock 226ci flathead “Supersonic Six” and three-speed manual on the tree. After wartime success in shipbuilding and materials production, Henry J. Kaiser turned to automobile production with partner Joseph W. Frazer. Their cars experienced varying levels of success against the major American car companies until exiting the passenger car market in the mid-1950s. This base model of the full-size Kaiser line was recently purchased from a collection in Trinidad, Colorado by the selling dealer, and is now said to be a reliable driver thanks to a recently refreshed fueling system. Its sale includes vintage handbooks and a clean Colorado title.

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Designed by Dutch Darrin and Duncan McRae, the car’s steel body panels wear some scuffs and dings as pictured in the gallery below, but show no indications of major accident damage. Two-tone Onyx Black and matte silver metallic paint appears to be largely original according to the seller, matching throughout and with no other colors visible underneath.

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The finish remains presentable for a driver, though it shows areas of fading and occasional cracking along with scuffs in the left rear quarter, right front door, and lower fender. Failing bodywork in the left rear quarter has revealed surface rust, but the seller has been unable to find deeper corrosion. Steel wheels wear serviceable Kaiser caps and beauty rings along with older 15″ wide-whitewall bias ply rubber.

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Most brightwork appears intact with scratches, weathering, and occasional oxidization, while the top piece of the front bumper has been painted black. All glass is in the expansive greenhouse is described as good. The new-for-1952 single-piece windshield wears a period sun visor covering its trademark Darrin widow’s peak, which is repeated in the rear window and hood ornament.

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High and low beams are said to work well along with the front turn signals, though both taillight lenses are tired and the left rear stop and signal lights are not functional. The trunk release button has been removed, but all associated parts are included for reinstallation.

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The non-factory corduroy and vinyl upholstery presents well inside, with some discoloration but little overall wear apart from a tear in the left rear seatback. Door panels have been lightly customized with the same materials, and the padded dash wears an updated vinyl texture that looks free of tears. The rearview mirror is a modern replacement, while original B-pillar courtesy lights are intact.

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The steering wheel is also a later replacement, as are the turn signal and shift lever handles. The driver-side vent weatherstrip is loose according to the seller, and the patterned sill plate is missing several screws. Modern carpeting covers the floors, while the headliner shows edge staining and an area of rodent damage. Serviceable factory switchgear is retained in the dash, and the fan and vent controls are operative along with the dash indicators for the headlights and turn signals.

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An undermounted aftermarket FM radio supplements the stock in-dash unit, which is not currently working. The wipers are operational but slow, and the stock fuel, oil, and temperature gauges are not currently functional, though the auxiliary oil pressure gauge is working. Coolant lines have been rerouted away from the heater core and directly to the radiator, and condition of the core is unknown.

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The 226 cubic inch flathead “Supersonic Six” underhood is fed by a stock Carter carburetor, reportedly starting easily and showing 55 psi of oil pressure at idle. The seller replaced the fuel tank with a factory original shortly after acquiring the car, and also cleaned the fuel lines and rebuilt the fuel pump in order to get it running. A stock generator is retained, suppling an old-style flooded battery and six-volt electrical system.

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The engine retains vestiges of green paint along with a factory air cleaner housing. The underhood hose supplying fresh air to the cabin is in need of replacement, and the hood hinges would benefit from lubrication according to the seller. Shifting is from a stock three-speed manual gearbox sending power to a stock Dana 44 rear end.

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Underneath, Kaiser’s independent coil spring front and leaf-sprung live axle rear suspension was known to provide confident handling for an American car of the period, and is said to track straight here. Four-wheel drum brakes were inspected by the seller. Substantial frame members look clean in photos, while some corrosion is visible in floor supports.

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Paper records are available only for the recent work performed, but a period parts catalog is included along with a vintage Kaiser-Frazer Owners Club handbook, spare tire and jack. Just under 9300 miles show on the rolled-over odometer, and the seller is unsure of the actual mileage. The car is said to run reliably with no major mechanical issues.

Auction Result

High Bid USD $3,000 (Reserve Not Met)
Auction Ended August 31, 2016 at 1:50PM PT
Bids 4
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BaT Essentials

Seller: catamount
Listing Details
  • Chassis: 5221-7046
  • 9300 Miles Shown, TMU
  • 226ci Flathead "Supersonic Six"
  • Three-on-the-Tree
  • Running and Driving
  • Fresh Fuel Tank, Lines, Pump
  • Largely Stock and Complete
Private Party or Dealer: Dealer
Lot #2005