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Topic starter
23/01/2023 3:52 pm
…. “Slap a Buick nameplate on ‘em and they would sell like hotcakes”
Of course he was talking about the ‘54 Kaiser Manhattans which were very attractive face lifts of the ‘51-‘53 models with even a Buick show car looking front end. They were quality cars but sales were hurt by the lack of an available V8 under the hood. Even an available turbo-charger was not convincing for those looking for an intermediate priced car with the power of a V8.
I remember a pale yellow one that used to park on occasion down the road from our house. I was only 10 but I remember it well. I have only seen a Kaiser on rare occasion, one on Martha’s Vineyard and one in Kilmarnock, Virginia. In my mind they were great cars. Brooklin did some very nice ‘53–54 Kaiser Manhattans in several color schemes.
David Knight
Richmond, Virginia. USA
23/01/2023 9:03 pm
Nice comparison shots David. My Brooklin models of these cars has always been a high light in my collection.
24/01/2023 3:34 am
Great pics David. As a young man I really disliked the roof line on this car and thought it ruined the look entirely. I have come to appreciate it for its unique styling in recent years and its place in automotive history. I always wondered how it would have sold with a slightly lower and more traditional roof line and V-8 power; much better I suspect.
Topic starter
24/01/2023 11:30 am
@jack-dodds Jack, here are two Kaiser’s, a ‘51, the first of this body style, spotted in Kilmarnock, Virginia, and the last year, a ‘54, spotted on Martha’s Vineyard.
David Knight
Richmond, Virginia. USA
Jack Dodds and Ed Davis reacted
25/01/2023 3:57 am
@david-knight Hey maybe Terry D. could work his magic and show us the lower profile roof without the "peak" windshield frame look?? Whataya say Terry?