It would be ok in a no turn on right zone. 🚨
Frank Reed
Chesapeake, VA
Odd that one tail light is missing, Frank. Hard to figure out what the advantage to this design would be.
It definitely is an an interesting concept and it made it as far as a working concept. I think the Kaiser-Frazer Travel-all/Carry-all automobile with the cargo bed in place of the trunk and rear seat was also an attempt by them to see if there was a sort of "El Camino/Ranchero" market in the early 1950's.
I agree with Jack; I don't see any advantages. But I have seen a few Kaiser "Travelers" in person, and they look impressive especially for the late 1940's. I think this hatchback idea would've caught on had K-F engineers been able to design an actual trunk.
All this practicality looks fantastic until you realize there's no easy way for Mom to load her groceries, or lower that tailgate without having substantial room, something not easily found in crowded post-war American suburban parking lots.
I'm guessing that part, at least, of the concept idea, was to avoid hitting one's head while loading/unloading, the trunk. In that respect, it looks feasible.
Chris, you can unearth the most interesting automotive subjects!! The biggest problem with Traveler's workability for me, is that access to the trunk is only gained by bending way over the tailgate. That's the reason I quit using our pick up for hauling groceries and supplies.
I favor the simplistic use of a hatch that opens upward, out of the way, granting the entry to the cargo area and it even gives shelter when it is raining. These are employed in most SUV's today.
@perrone1 Yep, SUV hatches are convenient.... but there's a slight shift, that pays homage to Kaiser, occurring in the high-end SUV market. The 2025 Lincoln Navigator will now have it as well... If this Kaiser-inspired-rear clamshell access catches on, then the tried & true "full door" rear hatch will go the way of the top mounted windshield sun visor, tailfins, T-Tops, and in-dash CD players. Stay tuned.... 🤔 🤨
@perrone1 I agree Tony and the foot swipe automatic open/close feature is really handy as well.
the foot swipe automatic open/close feature is really handy as well.
I second that but sometimes I feel like I'm dancing as I swing my leg from left to right. 😏 😏








