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Kaiser Manhattan Traveller — 1952

A predecessor to the modern station wagon - the Kaiser Traveler was like no other in its time. A highly rare model that has recently undergone extensive mechanical restoration while retaining its weathered exterior patina.

Mårten Carlsson
Inspector
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Rebecca R Bengtsson
Case manager
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"A very rare car (367 units made) that attracts attention, especially for its ingenious tailgate. Reliable in its external used condition and mechanically in good shape."

COUNTDOWN
CURRENT BID
ENDED
72 000SEK
LOT NUMBER
LOCATION
17263
HÄRRYDA
RESERVE PRICE
Not reached
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Mårten Carlsson
Inspector
Send message
Rebecca R Bengtsson
Case manager
Send message

"A very rare car (367 units made) that attracts attention, especially for its ingenious tailgate. Reliable in its external used condition and mechanically in good shape."

Description

The Kaiser-Frazer Corporation was at the forefront right after the war ended. They introduced new, modern cars that were several years ahead of their competitors. In 1949, they took another leap with the Traveler - a sedan that could also convert into a station wagon. For the 1951 model year, a completely new body designed by Howard ‘Dutch’ Darrin was introduced, and the Traveler was available in both two-door and four-door versions. However, the two-door variant proved to be impractical and was discontinued in 1951. Despite the modern new body, sales began to decline.

By 1952, the company had a large inventory of unsold 1951 models. These were upgraded to 1952 specifications with new front ends, rear fenders, ID plates, and other necessary updates. This particular car is one of those upgraded models. In 1951, only 367 units of this specific variant, the 2-door De Luxe Traveler Utility, were produced. The exact number transferred to the 1952 model year is unknown. The Traveler was only available in the lower series, Special and De Luxe.

This car underwent a restoration in the 1970s in the USA and was given an exterior update to resemble the Kaiser Manhattan. It was imported to Sweden in 2011, and in 2018, it changed ownership, leading to a major restoration project. This included replacing the entire engine block and upgrading the rear axle to a more modern one from the Jeep Wrangler. The body was largely left untouched, and the car passed inspection in 2022.

Technical data

  • Year
    1952/1952 
  • Registration date
    2011-07-26 
  • Mileage
     
  • Kw / hp
    85 / 116 
  • Fuel Type
    Petrol 
  • Transmission
    Mnaual 
  • Interior finish
    Vinyl 
  • Colour
    Red 

Condition

  • Mechanical condition:

    Completely mechanically renovated including suspension and driveline. The engine block replaced with a Willys unit - identical to what Kaiser used. Gearbox with overdrive refurbished. Rear axle replaced with a modern Dana 35C from a Jeep Wrangler. This axle has the same bolt pattern, track width, and is essentially similar to the original axle, including bolted drive shafts. The original axle is included. Also included is a complete compressor kit and various other difficult-to-find parts such as hood hinges, and more.

  • Interior condition:

    Kaiser-Frazer was generous in offering various interiors, so determining if the upholstery is original is difficult. Seats are intact and the headliner as well. Door panels are frayed and worn. The instrument cluster is from the 1953 model year; the correct one for 1952 is included along with a couple of extra sets of gauges. All gauges function properly, but the radio powers on without producing any sound. In the spacious trunk, the wood slats are in good condition and complete.

  • Exterior condition:

    According to information, renovated sometime in the seventies, perhaps when it received Manhattan’s trim and emblem. The paint has acquired some blisters, imperfections, and touch-ups over the years and is quite dull. There is some rust here and there but on a limited scale. Chrome is porous, and the driver’s door side window has a crack.

  • General condition:

    A well-functioning car that often becomes the center of attention at car gatherings. Mechanically sound throughout, now it’s the cosmetic aspects that remain to get this rare car into top condition.

MOT (tech. insp.)

Fordonsstatus: Itrafik 2022-05-13
Ursprungsbesiktning: 2011-07-07 (regbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 2011-07-26 (520101)
Senast godkända besiktning: 2022-07-11
Besiktningsbefriad: Ja
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Nej
Antal ägare: 2

Location and viewing Information

Location: Härryda

For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:

Mårten Carlsson
+46 734 17 49 90
marten@bilwebauctions.se

Pick up

Collection must take place before: 2024-07-11.

NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.

Auction information

General information about the condition of the vehicles .
  • At this auction, many vehicles have been included in car collections and have been stored (mothballed) for a long time. For this reason, they are described from a collector's perspective and may need technical reviews and maintenance service - oil, battery replacement, new tires, brake review, etc. - before they can be used. .
  • During the auction days information about a vehicle may be updated up to the day before the auction ends. When you bid at the end of the auction period - and also if you have made an earlier bid - we therefore ask you to read the descriptions carefully, in case something has been changed due to new information.
Important to know before placing your bids!
  • Once you have called in an item and the reservation price is reached we want you to deposit the entire purchase amount into our client funds account before retrieval can take place.
  • When you need to retrieve a called in object we want you to examine it carefully. If you consider that the item does not match our description you do not need to complete the purchase. In this case the deposited purchase sum and the entry fee are refunded.
  • If you do not examine the item on the spot the call charge will be debited, but you do not have to complete the deal.
  • If you make the entire purchase exclusively at a distance you have 14 days to cancel, but must return the item at your own expense.
  • Your shipping costs and other costs are not reimbursed when the right of withdrawal is exercised. Swedish court applies.
  • For items that have not been collected within 14 days storage costs may be charged.

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