PIC: Something different #53 (3/31/2025)

Nice.  My Dad had one.  I remember him telling stories how it did not have a heater, so the cold New York winters were no fun to drive in.

Remember them well. As kids, we laughed at them. Later we considered them pretty cool - especially the drag cars.

Henry J's like Willys and Fiats became more popular as race cars than street cars.

Henry Js (and Allstates ) were great cars....just ahead of their time.

A quaint little motor. It might have looked less gawky if the roof had been a touch lower, but in those days when drivers were wont to drive around wearing a trilby, customers might have been unhappy.

I did try taking the roof drop a bit further, but it ended up looking like a Rambler Marlin. Not a good idea.

@graeme-ogg 

I beg to differ Sir, the Marlin may have a somewhat "fishy" design, but not as bad as some other automobiles of that decade. Actually, IMO, the name Marlin was a very poor choice. I feel no competition with the "muscle cars" of its years. Perhaps AMC chose the name Marlin because a Marlin was fast in the water but it only proved itself to be fast in ceasing production. At least that's what this ole geyser remembers. BTW, the Henry looks as good, to me, as when it was manufactured.

Steve 

I recall our Forum conversation last year regarding this car.  Numerous comments were made about the main reason for its demise was that it wasn't priced low enough to compete effectively,  The public still went for the larger cars in plain jane form, which were not much more money than the Henry J.

Wouldn't we love to see this feature in an new car today "To save body stamping costs, early Henry Js did not have rear trunk lids; owners had to access the trunk by folding down the rear seat." Imagine the contortions some people had to get into to store and get at their suitcases!

Love this series, another fascinating car story, thanks John.

Or their favorite late night beverages. Like a Dad's Root Beer. 

Looks like Sunstar produced the Henry J in stock and drag race form.

Gents, thanks for your pics and responses.