1954 Kaiser Manhattan

- 216ci Inline 6 Cylinder
- Supercharged
- Automatic Transmission
- 18k Miles
- Teal Over Tan And Green Interior

(Please note: If you happen to be viewing this 1954 Kaiser Manhattan on a website other than our Garage Kept Motors site, it's possible that you've only seen some of our many photographs of the car due to third-party website limitations. To be sure you access all the more than 145 photographs, as well as a short start-up and walk-around video, please go to our main website: Garage Kept Motors.)

“The Kaiser Manhattan is a unique and rare marque.” – Bonhams

“Built from 1953 -1955, only 4,109 Manhattans were produced by the small and independent auto company, Kaiser-Frazer, before it was elbowed out of the market by the Big Three. This niche brand was launched by two entrepreneurs, Henry Kaiser, an industrialist and shipbuilder with solid financial backing, and his partner George Frazer, who together were able to exploit the burgeoning post-war demand for new automobiles, while the pre-war monoliths were struggling to reestablish their brands. Recognizing this narrow window of opportunity, Kaiser-Frazer leased a vast but vacant auto-plant from Ford and the Kaiser automobile was born. The Manhattan – which… was deemed the 'safest car around' – was the last of the Kaiser-Frazer offerings before they closed their doors in 1955.”

Offered here is a 1954 Kaiser Manhattan in teal over tan with a green-and-cream interior. Its factory supercharger makes this Manhattan a truly rare example. Showing 18,276 miles on its odometer, the car is a true survivor and a beautiful example of this very-low-production post-war American classic.

The Kaiser Manhattan's exterior design aesthetic reflects the optimism and joy following the war's end. Here, the teal color emphasizes the beautifully “swoopy” roofline, including the eyebrow-like, double-arched upper front-windshield line. From the side, the lighter, minty green color of the lower body continues above the doors to add to the sleek roofline look. The way the roof meets the body with creases at the B and C pillar areas is said to have been done to evoke a convertible-like look. The colors here are original to the car and the quality of the paintwork overall is excellent, no doubt a testament to owner care through the years. In the same way, the sheet metal is free of dents and dings, so the smooth-look design is fully appreciated. (To best assess the quality of the paint and trim finishes, be sure to view the close-up photographs of the car in the accompanying gallery.) The exuberant use of chrome—particularly on the front bumper, grille (and matching hood scoop), wide lower-body trim, rear-window trim, and rear bumper (with overrider bar)—led the industry in style… although the rest of Detroit would quickly follow. All chrome on the car is in excellent condition. The combination mirror-spotlight is a delight. All factory badging—including the European-looking script “Kaiser” and “Kaiser Manhattan” badges, small “K” emblems below the headlights, and stylized “K” trunk emblem—are all properly in place and in perfect condition. All cabin glass and lighting lenses are clear and undamaged; the rear fin-like taillight lenses are spectacular. Factory steel wheels wear full chrome wheel covers with “K” emblems; period-correct wide whitewall tires are mounted.

Inside, the well-maintained survivor condition shows on every surface. The combination of dark green and lighter cream in horizontal panels is both simple and stylish. Textured upholstery fabric has stood the test of time, and the cream-colored vinyl trim (on both seats and door panels) is similarly well kept. Floor covering is rubber matting in front, with green carpet in the rear. A stylish black, 2-spoke steering wheel with “K” center emblem fronts a truly unique dashboard in both design and materials. The shift lever for the Hydra Matic (automatic) transmission is mounted on the steering column. The top of the dash is padded in a pleated design, arguably the first padded dash ever brought to market. A shelf-design lower dash in green-painted metal incorporates aircraft-like controls for ventilation alongside the 120-mph speedometer. To the right is the original push-button AM radio and an analog clock.

Under the hood, more Kaiser touches add to the car's uniqueness. The Kaiser-branded supercharger and “Kaiser 226”-branded inline 6-cylinder engine—both wearing matching maroon paint—make for a rare sight. All components in the engine bay are original, including the “Fram® Filcron Oil and Engine Cleaner." Surfaces are clean with wiring and hoses properly routed. Viewed from below, the chassis is reasonably clean, completely straight, and original. The x-frame reinforcement (like the padded dash) supported the Kaiser “safest car” claim.

The car's original data, build, and identification tags remain as riveted at the Toledo factory. The original owner's manual is included in the sale.

While the more than 145 high-definition photographs and the short walk-around-and-startup video available on the GarageKeptMotors website showcase this '54 Kaiser Manhattan in detail from every angle, including from below, we expect and encourage in-person inspections at our Grand Rapids, Michigan showroom. Please call to arrange an appointment in advance as our showroom is not open to the public. And feel free to get in touch anytime by phone or email if you have questions.

The Kaiser Manhattan was the equivalent of an automotive shooting star—a bright flash of style and substance that lived far too short a time. Fortunately, the next owner of this fine example will help Kaiser live on well into the future.