1954 Kaiser Special - A Beautiful Failure

Henry J Kaiser conquered nearly every industry he went into, but his best efforts to take on Detroit failed. Although this was clear by 1954, it didn't stop his car company from releasing a gorgeous new design. However, the car floundered in the market. Here Joe Ligo drives a 1954 Kaiser Special and talks about the history of this fascinating company and the man behind it.
Watch our Kaiser Brochure read-through: • Reading a 1954 Kaiser ...

[@100forks]

All the cars in the 50's were unremarkable by today's standards. That's what makes them so remarkable today. I think Kaiser's 1954 Special was one of the most beautiful. Unless you grew up in the 50's, you will never know how wonderful it was, as a child, to take a long trip in a car of that era. It was an adventure. Each diner was different, each gas station was different and most of all, each motel was unique. It truly was the good old days.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

For a compliment, you make the era sound like trash. Its not taboo to tell the truth about how modern the time was.

[@billhowes7937]

I remember taking long trips in my Dad's '46 Buick Roadmaster and the '52 Buick Super that I learned to drive in. So much fun stopping for lunch at a one of a kind diner. Getting an ice cold Coke in a 6 ounce bottle. Great times.

[@adotintheshark4848]

Their styling was remarkable, but of course technology wasn't. And if you like the Special, the Manhattan was even more luxurious inside with grained leather seats, bamboo-pattermed dash and ivory wheel.

[@NADA.Q.PERDER]

es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaiser_Carabela se produjo en ARGENTINA posteriormente.

[@carld3184]

My father worked for Kaiser in Argentina (IKA) from 1958 to 1962. My school principal drove this car called a Carabela. My father drove a company car but he was issued a Willis Overland 4x4 (called Estanciera) because he was responsible for visiting the IKA dealers in Patagonia. We visited Argentina in 2018 and we saw almost NONE of any of the IKA models from 1960. But when we went to the train station in Villa Ballester outside of Buenos Aires, (in 1960 I used that station every weekend to go to the city from our school) there was Willys Overland waiting for his family to get off the train. Spoke to the owner, he had restored it beautifully, even had the same two-tone colours as my father's company car. If we would have arrived a few minutes later he would have been gone because the train arrived while we were talking.

[@cesarnyc]

Wow, when I was a kid in Argentina, this car was known as the Kaiser Carabela, built by IKA(Industria Káiser Argentina) and it was quite the craze, thanks for sharing!!!

[@MrChopp3r]

Yes, i remember the Kaiser carabella when i was a kid in Buenos Aires, my uncle drove one.

[@blackholeentry3489]

@@Jack_Russell_Brown I drove Kaisers for many years (My last one was a 54.....the ultra rare two door model (only 50 made). I tossed the Continental 'fork lift' engine and installed a Pontiac 370 V8. Three years ago, my wife and I spent ten days in Argentina and I kept a sharp eye peeled looking for a Kaiser, but, alas, never saw a single one.

[@PlumbNutz]

Henry J Kaiser single-handedly defeated the Japanese according to several admirals by building so many ships so fast. He once build a ship in 4 days 15 hours and 29 minutes, he said he could build aircraft carriers but the government said they didn't want them so he built them anyways. He started the first health insurance company with hospitals, he even built a city, Hawaii Kai on Oahu. Truly a great man like we will never see again.

[@Daniel_Gil]

The Kaiser Manhattan was manufactured in my country too. Back when I was a kid, I used to see one of the last remmants coughing its way around my neighbourhood. Already 40 years old, rusted and falling apart, it still managed to impress me with all the faded chrome and elegant design. I would love to have a single ride on one.

[@brianstough5286]

Henry J. built ships for transporting goods for the "lend/lease" act, and throughout the war. These were not "battleships" but "Liberty Ships". His production records were astonishing - keel laid to launch in 3 days!!! (I think - more specific details are widely available

[@tonygumbrell22]

I caught that too.

[@donaldstanfield8862]

You can see him on WHAT'S MY LINE on KZbin!

[@emjayay]

The Liberty ship was a British design from around 1900 that could be built in pieces and then welded together quickly in the dry dock instead of being built from the keel up and using the dry dock for a much longer time. And welding is lower skill than riveting.

[@julianmoreau3281]

Kaiser turned it's production line to Argentina, changing its name to IKA (Industrias Kaiser Argentina) were it produced the CJ Jeep, Station Wagon and Pick up, later the Gladiator. The Kaiser Manhattan was renamed Carabela. They also produced a version of the Alfa Romeo 1900 sedan named Bergantin, though with a 4 or 6 cil flathead Continental engine. When they run out of Kaiser cars they turned to Rambler cars, such as the Classic, Cross Country and Ambassasor 990. A sport version of the '64 Rambler American 440 was redesigned by Pininfarina, fitted with a 6cil 3.8lt OHC Tornado engine, 3 Webber carburator battery called the Torino 380w. They also produced Renault cars, like the Dauphine, R4, R6 and R12. In 1975 Renault France took over, leaving only the Torino brand as the "american" remaining car until 1981. I'm from Argentina, so I know the story well. My granpa had a Carabela

[@luisalthaus7249]

They used this cars also for funeral services.

[@julianmoreau3281]

@@luisalthaus7249 It was the longest car ever produced in Argentina, so why not? Jajajaja

[@slaproductions4]

Thanks for the info! Just saw a 55 4 door yesterday for the first time at Pasteiner’s in Birmingham MI. Super unique and had never seen one before

[@r.a.monigold9789]

My dad and my "uncle" (dad's best friend) BOTH had Kaisers AND Fraziers. EVERY time they would see one, they would try to buy it. At one time "we" collectively had over TWENTY of them. This all happened between 1959 and 1962. My dad had a Frazier Vagabond, while my uncle had a Kaiser Traveler. Great days - FUN memories. Thank you for sharing...

[@lieutenantdan417]

Kaiser traveler.

[@lieutenantdan417]

I believe the traveler is what i sae last year at one of the car shows i went to.

[@AutoMoments]

That's awesome. What a collection! Thanks for watching!

[@helios1912]

Neat story--what happened to all the Kaisers and Frazers? I did know a man who did that with used Edsels in the '60's. He loved the fact that car dealer lots would usually have a forlorn Edsel Ranger (or even a loaded nice Citation) on the back row for cheap. He was counter-culture and reveled in it.

[@dr.detroit1514]

Had an old man on my paper route in my old neighborhood like this too in the late 60's early 70's, only XKE Jaguars, had them sitting all along the driveway and in the backyard, I don't know how many. I wonder sometimes what happened to them all. Would be worth a fortune now.

[@markmyers8775]

My mom's first car was a '51 Kaiser and she said she always had fond memories of it.

[@robertguttman1487]

My father had a 1952 Kaiser Manhattan. He loved it. It had a lot of features that were ahead of their time, such as large glass area for good visibility, and a pop-out windshield to protect occupants in the event of a crash. Kaiser also built another car, the "Henry J", which was the first "compact car", and was also at least ten years ahead of it's time.

[@arnepianocanada]

My aunt worked for Kaiser Corporation (I think for decades, if not lifelong) in Greater San Francisco area as (again I think) a well paid secretary. We talked a bit of it when I visited from Canada in 1970 at age 14.

[@bobdionne4625]

Drone shots. Slow-pan close-ups. Relevant historical footage and deep references. This is a great production

[@joaquinrosendezarco5560]

As mentioned in the video, the Manhattan was sold in South América, more preciseley it was produced and sold in Argentina. Here it was sold as the Carabela, from 1958 through 1962, and it was given various uses, from taxi to limoisine, and it came standard with a record that told you to keep on with maintenance, which implied you to take it to your local dealer every 1.500 KMS. Wasn't succesful, but to this day it holds the record as the largest car produced in Argentina.

[@donaldstanfield8862]

Love the widow's peak roofline and the low belt line, must have been a great view of the passing scene from the back seat! Just so many styling cues, thanks for presenting this fabulous 50s icon!

[@AutoMoments]

Thanks for watching! It's a gorgeous car, indeed.

[@theatreorganman]

An outstanding production, from editing to research and superb photography. I, too, am concerned about making sure the Kaiser-Frazer legacy continues. This documentary will be a significant contribution towards that goal.

[@AutoMoments]

Well thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. Be sure to share this video with your friends!

[@r.a.monigold9789]

Late 1950's and my dad and uncle drove these - now I know why, nearly free. Dad had 5, one after the other until the last one and he teamed that up with a Frasier Vagabond. My uncle never sold any of his 15. He all ALL the Kaiser variants INCLUDING a supercharged Manhattan. Miles of smiles - thanks for the putt down memory lane...

[@hughjass1044]

What a beautiful old classic car!

[@user-mv3vf8jj1l]

My Dad had a 1954 Kasier Special. He bought it new. He wanted a Green/ Cream color. But settled for a Dark Grey body with a Light Grey roof because the dealer had this color in Stock. He drove the car over 100k miles owning it till 1963, when he traded it on a 1963 Studebaker Cruiser. As a kid I often washed and waxed it. The most distinctive feature I remember was the beautiful dashboard. I really enjoyed viewing this video. As it brought back many fond memories.

[@AutoMoments]

Aww, thank you for sharing your old car memories with us! Your dad must have had a unique taste in cars, driving Kaisers and Studebakers. Thanks for watching!

[@user-mv3vf8jj1l]

@@AutoMoments Dad owned his share of unique cars. A '51 and '54 Kaiser's, '63 Studebaker, '57 VW Beetle, '60 Ford Falcon, '60 Citroën ID19, '68 AMC Ambassador SST, '71 AMC Gremlin, '73 AMC Javelin SST, '74 AMC Madator, '81 Mercury Zephyr, '82 Dodge Omni, '85 VW Golf, '88 & '92 Mercury Sables.

[@AutoMoments]

@@user-mv3vf8jj1l Wow! That's quite a collection over the years!

[@jimtolson7054]

Back in the 1960s, I had a summer job while in college. One of my co-workers in Davenport IA had at least 18 Kaisers! He'd rotate through them, so I met a lot of different models. The Dragon, the supercharged Manhattan, a Traveler, and - his Darrin! A great guy, with a fascinating collection.

[@AutoMoments]

18! Wow, that's impressive.

[@michaeltaylor9977]

I've seen these at the AutoRama in Houston Texas. Yes! There was a "husky" almost seductive elegance about the way these cars looked. I DID love those tail lights and chrome. I also had a book talking about these 2 fellows and other car designers. Glad you got to drive it.

[@AutoMoments]

Thanks for watching!

[@pamelaharvey3011]

Hi Joe ~ Bob Godwin is MY DAD & that is HIS Kaiser!!!! :) This video is equal parts informative, creative, & breathtaking!! I love your still photos, your GoPro angles, &- best of all- your drone footage over the Pretty Boy Dam. I was in tears by the end of this awesome 10 minute clip! Beautiful in every way ~ so cool to include my Dad & his car!! THANK YOU! :) Pam Harvey

[@tedmcquade8987]

I was wondering about that dam. Where is it located?

[@pamelaharvey3011]

@@tedmcquade8987 The Pretty Boy Dam is along The Gunpowder River & creates The Pretty Boy Reservoir. :)

[@AutoMoments]

Thank you! Bob was fantastic to work with, and we loved driving his car.

[@pamelaharvey3011]

@@AutoMoments !!!!!!! :-)

[@BastardX13]

I'm 54. Have never ridden in, driven, nor even seen a Kaiser. A unique privilege to a young automotive historian. Certainly underappreciated and virtually forgotten.

[@AutoMoments]

Thanks for watching! I was thrilled to get the chance to ride in this car.

[@Steebow]

I first learned about Kaiser as a kid in the 80’s. Beautiful car, and largely forgotten. Thanks for sharing!

[@AutoMoments]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevewausa]

Great video, Joe. Fun Fact: Legendary Volvo stylist Jan Wilsgaard did a concept for a large sedan named Philip that has a lot of stylistic similarities to the Kaiser (including the "dipped" windscreen). The Volvo got a V8 and lives in the Volvo museum in Gothenburg.

[@AutoMoments]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing!

[@drakbar5957]

Those finned taillights are a work of art! Dutch Darrin styled these Kaisers and was the reason this car looked so much nicer than that tank-like Buick featured in this video. Kudos for capturing one of Detroit’s most beautiful orphan automobile 👏

[@AutoMoments]

Dutch Darrin definitely played a huge role in K-F's history. He styled the 1951 Kaisers, but the 1954 restyle was mostly done by Buzz Grisinger and Herb Weissinger (with input from Edgar's love of the Buick XP-300). But the end result is beautiful nonetheless. Thanks for watching!

[@sdgakatbk]

Not just beautiful but practical. They are very clear for other traffic to see them.

[@blackholeentry3489]

@@sdgakatbk Funny thing is that although most people liked them, I thought them garish, removed them and installed 54 Buick taillights in their place. If I had it to do over again, I would not have touched them, as they were unique in their day and still are.

[@John-nf6mc]

Thank you for this video. My family had two Kaisers, a '51 Special and a '54 early Special. I have great memories of family vacations in the '54. It stayed in our family for 10 years and I still can see it as it disappeared from view when my dad drove it away to be traded-in. I drove it down the block and back as a 15 year old. The non-power steering was my main memory of that adventure. Of all of the cars that our family had, it is at the top of the list.

[@AutoMoments]

Thank you for sharing your old car memories!

[@1KJRoberts]

I've owned and commuted in the following 1950's vehicles: '51 Packard, '59 Nash Rambler and a '59 Studebaker Truck. Video Suggestion: Come drive my 1972 Citroen DS. The comparison and contrast to 1950's American cars is astonishing. This car was a veritable tour de force in innovation when it came out in 1955.

[@42lookc]

... but a more awkward, unbalanced, awful, hideous looking creature was never put on four wheels.

[@emjayay]

@@42lookc Different, but beautiful and modern in its own way. One writer wrote that the DS finally looked right when it got the new front end with four headlights.

[@stephenandloriyoung5716]

@@42lookc Not even the Citroen 2CV?

[@AVB2]

GREAT VIDEO! My late father LOVED Kaiser automobiles. He bought a new car every other year and in 1951 when he saw the new design of the Kaiser he bought one. It was the same color combination as the featured car. In 1953 he bought another Kaiser a green one with the same tan colored roof as the one above. I remember that car very well. He planned on buying a 1955 (the best looking Kaiser by far) but couldn't because the company had moved to Argentina. He said they were the best cars he ever owned. The Continental "Red Seal" engine that Kaiser used in all of their automobiles was not overly powerful but it was exceptionally well engineered.

[@AutoMoments]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your old car memories!

[@thebusterdog6358]

Back in those days you almost had to buy a new car every 2-3 years. Mechanically they were garbage in the 50's.

[@blackholeentry3489]

The original engine Kaiser used in the cars was a flathead Continental 6 cylinder and was also commonly employed in fork lifts. Although quite anemic in performance, it was well engineered and had a reasonable lifespan.

[@MrDK530]

​@@blackholeentry3489The engine was also called the ghost six because it was so quiet. On a warm day I remember having to put my hand on the car to tell if it was running. They also had a tendency to vapor lock because of the poor airflow under the hood.

[@blackholeentry3489]

@@MrDK530 Although I drove Kaisers solely for the first ten years or so of my driving 'career', (owned four) I drove very little with the stock Continental straight 6 engine, and was the very same engine which was employed in fork lifts. While it was reliable in a fork lift, it left a lot to be desired in an automobille, especially when the industry as a whole was making the change-over from in the block valves to overhead valves, which while more complicated, is a far more efficient design and has been the standard employed within the industry for decades....except with the possible exception of three hp lawn mowers. I first used the small Chevy 265 V8 in my 53 Kaiser and later installed a 58 Pontiac 370 V8 in my '54. Had more fun with that car then any car I have ever owned...except my current 88 Pontiac Fiero....V6 5 speed. For the first four years of my working carreer, I worked in a small plant in San Jose with about 30 employees. I drove a 54 Kaiser and my boss drove a 55....his with the ultra rare factory blower. Although I never rode in his, he told me the blower enabled him to get up to 60 mph quickly. It was quite odd to see the 25 or so cars in the parking lot with two of them being Kaisers. I didn't make it to the Space Needle the year it opened, but did the following year. I had an uncle in eastern WA, then went to visit some friends in eastern Montana, then drove down to Austin, TX to visit my wife's sister, whose husband was in the Air Force there. Then, ambled home. Even with the Pontiac engine, still, with the Chevy overdrive tranny, got close to 30 mpg.....which is about the same as I now get with my 88 Pontiac Fiero....a much lighter and more wind efficient vehicle....and, with a much smaller engine. For about 35 years I worked for a company in Moss Landing, CA. There, I occasionally operated one of the fork lifts (especially on the back shifts) which employed the identical flathead 6 cylinder engine which was also used in Kaisers....only theirs had been converted over to burning propane. BHE

[@henryostman5740]

My Uncle had a series of Kaiser autos, including the supercharged version, when that was new it had a lot of kick for its day but later on he had it removed to be more reliable. There was no dealer network to fix things after '54.

[@christopherorourke6543]

One of my late Uncles had a blue Kaiser, a 1953 Manhattan. The Kaiser was ahead of its time, the first with padded dashboards, seat belts, a venal roof. I have seen some over the years from time to time.

[@donegoing2002]

Never came with seat belts from the factory

[@sidneystancatti2599]

In 1955 my aunt bought a small property outside Sao Paulo and I remember how comfortable the Kaiser '53 of the real estate salesman that took us there was. It was the smoothest ride I had ever had. I was 8 at the time.

[@AutoMoments]

This car did ride very smoothly!

[@bg147]

The early Special roof seems tall and long relative to the body. It is definitely unique. I prefer the early Special. Don't worry about not being popular due to your choices. When I was in college back in the day, we went to Daytona Beach. On the way back in the bus, an attractive coed asked me what I was reading. I turned my magazine over to show her the Popular Mechanics front. She scoffed "Fun Guy" as she walked away.

[@TheMaxx111]

I enjoy how you feature "Unloved" cars.

[@AutoMoments]

Thank you! Be sure to check out our other videos if you haven't already!

[@catjudo1]

There's a guy with a '53 Kaiser that lives near me. The car shows up at our local car shows, and it's a treat every time I get to see it. I like oddball cars, and that Kaiser is an oddball, an independent outlier from a different time.

[@AutoMoments]

That's exactly how we discovered this car--a local show. Very cool!

[@stefeniedavidmusic]

I grew up in Galt Ontario and in the 60s a fairly well-off guy in town had a dark green Kaiser. Not sure if he bought it new but he had for years and it was a real novelty around town.

[@TheKacper2001]

I love 50s American car. They’re magical

[@josephgaviota]

Agree w/Wkacper B ... it was a _very_ special time.

[@TheKacper2001]

josephgaviota Simpler time

[@budjeansonne4482]

We owned a 1950 Kaiser. I got this car in 1959 after my father bought a '58 Ford. I drove it a long time.

[@landtuna8061]

My dad bought an early 50's Kaiser - a bright red 4-door. I don't remember much about it except that it was hard to start and the ignition needed to be on to blow the horn. We didn't have it very long when he traded it in on a '56 Rambler station wagon (our first car with A/C, big deal in AZ).

[@blxtothis]

I want one! That stolen grill influenced quite a few later car designs! A well made and non-sensationalist or hysterically shouty video (in contrast to too many others out there), nicely done!

[@louismart]

It influenced the Comecon car production.

[@frequencyfluxfandango8504]

Unusual obscure cars are the most interesting to me -but I like the way you add some history and philosophy to the mix. Another highly entertaining video Joe. Thank you.

[@AutoMoments]

Thank you for the kind words! Be sure to share our videos with your car-loving friends!

Hello from Argentina. Thank you for your great video. Yes, Kaiser created Industrias Kaiser Argentina IKA and made this car and many more, like Ramblers and Torinos. Many are still seeing in the streets. This Kaiser was named Kaiser Carabela. Many were used as funeral cars for a very long time. Cheers!!!

[@blackholeentry3489]

Two years ago my wife and I toured five countries in South America. Seeing Machu Piccu wasn't on the tour, so we did that on our own prior to joining the tour group. Our primary mission was to view a total solar eclipse from Argentina, which we eventually did, just prior to leaving the continent. However, because we were in five different countries on the continent, I kept a sharp eye out for Kaisers......much to my disappointment, I NEVER saw a one! BHE

@@blackholeentry3489 They are not very usual now, you have to got a garage for them; there are Kaiser Carabela clubs in Argentina. Near home are still Ramblers and Torinos in the streets , one classic sport argentine car. Cheers

[@benzcrazy]

The Kaiser Travelers were the first hatchback .,the interiors were fantastic and their colors were beautiful I loved the heart shaped windshield .

[@DavidMScott-cs8pp]

I was the same age as you when the 54 was introduced. Friends of my parents had a 54 Manhattan and I thought it was the most beautiful car in the world and it was until 1955 when the new look Chev and Fords hit the market. I grew up in a small Canadian city of 37,000 people in 1954 and there were no end of auto options for the consumer. We had Kaiser- Frazer, and it's offshoot the Henry J, British Austin, Hudson, Nash and the multi dealers for the big three... GM's Chev, Olds, Cadillac Pontiac, Buick,GMC and their British Consul Fords's Ford, Monarch. Meteor, Mercury and their British Anglia Chrysler's Plymouth, Chrysler Dodge, Desoto Studebaker Aqua Car IHC Trucks Diamond T Trucks Enough choice to boggle the mind. Great videos and commentary

[@AutoMoments]

Thanks for watching, and thanks for sharing your old car memories!

[@dr.detroit1514]

Very interesting video, about a car company I had heard or seen little about. I did see a couple of things: Jim Wangers, of Pontiac GTO fame, wrote a book : "Glory Days, When Horsepower and Passion Ruled Detroit". As Wangers worked there for a while, there is some information on his experiences there. Also there is also the "Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum", which (if I remember right, it's been some years), has a complete separate section on Kaiser-Fraziers, including various cars, memorabilia, and even the company's original board room table and chairs.

[@MrDK530]

The Heritage museum has several Kaiser's on loan from Kaiser club members. The museum also has the Arctic Explorer on display. This is the only 51 Kaiser show car that been found. The car has it's original polar bear and penguin interior as well as the special lacquer paint.

[@branon6565]

You're correct in thinking that it's a beautiful car, cuz it is....

[@johnbockelie3899]

Those tail lights are cool.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Convinced me... as sharp as any 1954 car... with an OHV V8 option, pickup trucks option, competitive price, placement in popular TV shows/movies, parked out front of dealerships, and reputation for reliability it would have sold well...

[@blackholeentry3489]

@@BuzzLOLOL In the movie, "Back to the Future" there are two scenes where a Kaiser sits parked in a driveway. I've re-watched the movie several times just to see it.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

@@blackholeentry3489 - You own one?

[@blackholeentry3489]

@@BuzzLOLOL The short answer....No, and haven't for over 50 years. Although now very rare, they still catch my eye. My last one was a '54' which had been abandoned by some soldier who had been shipped over seas. It had Utah plates, and because I live in CA, transferring it became a callosal nightmare, but with the help of the guy's former commanding officer at the nearby Fort Ord signing papers and many trips to the DMV, 19 separate documents, I finally accomplished it. It was minus the hood, but I located it 10 miles away. The body was straight and was the ultra rare two-door model....something like only 500 made. Someone had tried to install a Studebaker V8 in it, but had given up. With a lot of effort, I installed a '58' Pontiac 370 cu in V8. The stock steering box had to be tossed, and with a lot of effort, I installed a 58 Pontiac steering box which had been shortened 4", so I had the deep dish steering wheel. When finished I had a unique car, very drivable and traveled all over the western USA with it. My first wife had a lot of relatives in Kansas City, MO, and we made many trips back there driving the Kaiser. A favorite uncle lived near Spokane, WA, so also the car was often driven there. The 'Grande Finale' came in 1968. My wife and I had driven to McMinnville, OR, which is only six miles from where I grew up, to visit her uncle. After we departed, about 40 miles south of Mac, a train crossing the major highway 101 had stopped traffic and I pulled up and stopped. I was sitting there, looked in my mirror to see a car coming up behind me way too fast, the smoke billowing from his tires.....I yelled something and then he plowed into us. The Kaiser was drivable, but just barely and the alignment was so far off, I ground off a set of brand new tires on the 800 mile trip home. At that time, I decided...if I'm going to put Pontiac engines in my drivers, might as well drive a Pontiac and made the switch. To this day, I drive a 33 year old Pontiac Fiero.....V6 five speed, which has only 65K on it, However, in a restaurant in Lewiston, Idaho, sits a café with a wall full of 8X10 car photos, of which one of them is of a '53' Kaiser. One time, my wife and I were passing through on our way to visit my brother east of Lewiston, and behold! Outside the restaurant sat the '53' Kaiser, so I went in, located the guy, and introduced myself. Shortly, the 21st Annual UFO festival will be held in McMinnville, so again I will be making the 800 mile trip....in my 88 Pontiac Fiero. BHE

[@kendecker3674]

Great video brings back lots of memories. My first car was a '48 Kaiser. I've had a couple of '51s including a traveler. In 1957 I was fortunate to buy a '55 Kaiser Manhattan 2 door in great shape. Yes it had a supercharger made by Paxton. The '55 Manhattan had an updated instrument panel. The color was Copper Burgundy (if I recall correctly) over Palm Beach Ivory. I loved that car, wish I still had it. I also had a '66 4WD Jeep Wagoneer built by Kaiser-Willy's Corp. It had an America Motors V-8 engine. I've owned 5 Kaisers since I got my DL in '53.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

The dash was different in the 55? Didn't know that.

[@herdfan697278]

Nice to see the cars of my childhood on the road again! Back in those days we could identify every car by it’s profile or the view of either front or rear end as well just snippet of a body part .Awe sweet memories!🇺🇸👍🤠🙏✝️

[@AutoMoments]

Thanks for watching!

[@abiderned]

Your work is well produced and I like that it is understated but full of great information. Your passion Is apparent without the jarring transitions and bad sound effects that are WAY to common in most pieces...Thank you.

[@AutoMoments]

Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for watching!

[@blackholeentry3489]

Gregory Carloss….My very first car was a 51 Kaiser. Then, I came across a 53 4 door, installed a 55 Chevy V8 and drove that car all over the western USA for years. Then I came across a rare 54 two door--only 150 made, which I bought for $10. I installed a 58 370 Pontiac V8 and again, drove it for many years. Odd thing is, where I worked in San Jose, CA, my boss owned a 55 Kaiser with the factory super charger, so TWO of us were driving Kaisers to that same small plant of about 40 employees. That car was a real sleeper and I had more fun with that car than any car I have ever owned. I was in Oregon and stopped at an RR crossing because of a train when someone came up behind, failed to notice the stopped traffic and plowed into me at speed. I did manage to drive it the 800 miles back home, but the alignment was so knocked out of kilter, ground off a set of tires. End of Kaisers for me.

[@blackholeentry3489]

I also worked for Kaiser Refractories at Moss Landing, CA, where we extracted magnesium from seawater. I was the ONLY person driving a Kaiser to the Kaiser plant.

[@TheBrooklynbodine]

The timing of this couldn't have been better for me. At an auto-restoration shop, I saw, the other day, a '54 Kaiser Manhattan. It even had a 1954 New York license plate.

[@y1hardtop]

It's nice to see these old cars, every now and then.

[@eddietucker3334]

I loved them as a kid and still do. Just beautiful. Nice essay!

[@Sedan57Chevy]

What is this pleasant surprise!? Here I am binging older AutoMoments, in particular the '75 Imperial, and this pops up. You really do great work, Joe. Every one of these videos is a great look into the automotive past.

[@AutoMoments]

Haha, thanks for being a loyal viewer! We're glad you enjoyed this one, too!

[@thisoldbelair]

Dude i love this videos. I love auto history and especially have always been fascinated with these “smaller” American companies that came and went, like Studebaker and Packard and Nash. Living near Detroit myself, I especially enjoy learning about Packard. If you ever get a chance, drive by the old Packard plant in Detroit. I think you’ll find it fascinating, and also very moving. Look it up. Keep up the great work documenting and educating about these rare classics and bygone automotive names.

[@AutoMoments]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the kind words!

[@donmoore8116]

One of my favorite designs, amazing since most of the car is from the 1951 version cleverly & beautifully done. The original design was nice too.

[@mrfudd13]

I would love to drive one of the 2 - seaters Kaiser built, the Darrin. Saw one in a parking lot once, several years back. Do a video on that, sometime.

[@lilymae4131]

My uncle had a Kaiser when I was young and you could tell he loved it, by the way he use to light up when talking about it. I think it was the Kaiser that he sped along the Pa. turnpike at high speed and was so impressed by it. I remember seeing the car but don't remember what year it was. My uncle was a great guy and we miss him.

[@AutoMoments]

Oh wow, that's a great story. Thanks for sharing!

[@AutoRevArg]

Great as always. Fun fact: It was built in Argentina under the IKA brand and named the "Carabela" (Caravel). Cheers!

[@blackholeentry3489]

AutoRev In about two months I am going to Argentina to view a total solar eclipse from there. You can bet your bottom dollar I will be keeping a sharp eye open for old Kaisers while I'm there. .

[@AutoRevArg]

Hey, that's great! You'll have to keep a sharp eye since there are not many left! (There weren't so many built in fact). Have a great trip! Astronomy is fascinating. Shout out if you need anything. @@blackholeentry3489

[@garyjones7044]

@@blackholeentry3489 saw one when I was a teenager, pretty damn awesome. I'm 61 now and remember it like it was yesterday.

[@blackholeentry3489]

@Terry Melvin I was born in Portland and raised around the area. Although I drove several Kaisers for many years, the last one a rare 54 two door, I did not know they had a plant there. They originally used a continental flat head engine...the same one employed in fork lifts...pretty anemic. I tossed the engine and first installed a Chevy 265, and then, wanting more power, went to a Pontiac 347 V8. I drove that car all over the western USA and was a real sleeper. BTW...my name is Melvin.

[@blackholeentry3489]

@@garyjones7044 My very first car was a Kaiser I bought for $25 when I was 20. Was also my first experience with an overdrive. The factory setup had a governor that wouldn't let the overdrive activate until at least 35 mph. I installed a switch on the dashboard, bypassed the governor so I had overdrive in every gear if I wanted...six gears.

[@Featureman]

Very nice video about a very stylish car. I knew someone in Andyville, KY who bought one brand new.

[@AutoMoments]

Thanks for watching!

[@observant98]

They never had a dealer network like GM, Ford and Chrysler had at that time.

[@kingsleylincoln339]

You probably dont give a shit but does someone know of a trick to get back into an Instagram account? I was stupid lost my password. I appreciate any help you can give me!

[@deshawnelisha3331]

@Kingsley Lincoln instablaster :)

[@kingsleylincoln339]

@Deshawn Elisha Thanks for your reply. I got to the site through google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff now. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@trainsupporter9088]

Came out of a restaurant one day and there was a beautiful 1954 Kaiser...wow, I impressed! Wish I could have had one myself!

[@montymatilda]

I know I have watched this video before but watching it again still shows the style and grace this car had. What a design.

[@billthompson5644]

I really like your videos the history lessons are just stellar. Thank you for bringing a lot of stuff that I never see. I really do like that car it's so unique. Thanks again.

[@AutoMoments]

Thanks for watching! We hope you learned something new!

[@MrShobar]

I hadn't heard that Henry Kaiser made "battleships". Only cargo ships, such as the Liberty and Victory ships, in his west coast shipyards. He participated in a joint venture to build Hoover Dam, and also made commodities such as steel, aluminum and cement. K-F failed because it was undercapitalized from the get-go.

[@garyjones7044]

Kf failed because everyone wanted a V8 and they spend all there money on the Henry J

[@michaelbenardo5695]

You are correct.

[@JanAndHenk]

Again a small work of art and a great joy to hear and watch, many thanks!!!

[@AutoMoments]

Thanks for watching! We're glad you enjoyed it.

[@alvidadost6955]

I just discovered your channel and I must say that you have a gift for relaxed story telling.

[@AutoMoments]

Thank you very much! Be sure to watch our older videos, too!

[@Roshake77]

Those taillights are something amazing

[@STB-jh7od]

That is a GORGEOUS car.

[@AutoMoments]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnbergin3787]

My dad had one, mint green. He loved it

[@normende]

Excellent professional video about an overlooked classic car!!!

[@michaellorenson2997]

Beautiful car, inside and out. Thanks for showcasing it!

[@AutoMoments]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@charleskesner1302]

One of my favorites too. My great uncle had one.

[@deadstick8624]

Love this car, it's beautiful, and I absolutely love the color. The color is almost identical to the color of my current car.

[@theprocess5217]

What color is it called? I need to know.

[@deadstick8624]

@Jim Baker You're not very good at reading, are you?!

[@zr0buks_]

@@theprocess5217 what color is this I also have identical

[@peterharrison5833]

I love old cars! Great video, thanks so much for posting this!

[@kokolanza7543]

Real nice script. Obviously the person who made this video truly appreciates and knows cars.

[@Arokud]

It's boggling that you only have 28k subs. You honestly, completely deserve 100x that.

[@AutoMoments]

Thank you! You’re actually one of several people who have said this. Please help us grow by sharing these videos with your friends!

[@90FF1]

Nice story. BEAUTIFUL setting and film work! Thanks.

[@AutoMoments]

Thank you for the kind words. And thank you for watching!

[@daveboyers4549]

That is as well done as any video I've ever seen on YT. The camera work, aerials, editing, script, sweetening and overall video quality make it an absolute joy to watch. Congratulations, and thank you!

[@AutoMoments]

Thank you, thank you! We're glad you noticed all the work that went into this video, and we're glad you enjoyed it!

[@daveboyers4549]

After 45 years in broadcast TV, I recognize talent and hard work when I see it, and I also know how good it feels to have your efforts noticed. Looking forward to enjoying your other videos as well. @@AutoMoments

[@marcob4630]

A very elegant car! Reminds me of my youngest years when US cars were beautiful and stylish

[@Trance88]

I'm not even a fan of cars from this era, but damn that is a nice looking sedan.

[@scottbiddle3967]

The way you feel about this car is how I feel about the Tucker. I have loved that car since I heard about it. I did get to see one in a museum at Stone Mountain in GA. But never got to touch it. I would love to have your job. Getting to drive these rare awesome cars

[@AutoMoments]

Thank you so much for watching! Old cars are special indeed.

[@johnoakes3106]

I'm also old enough to remember the Kaiser. Underpowered, but a well built car and beautiful going down the road. Along with the Packard, Nash, Studebaker, and my favorite, the Hudson, the king of NASCAR! There was more to choose from in those days and all American made.

[@tuanh_duong]

YES!!! I greatly enjoy your videos!!! :D

[@AutoMoments]

Thanks for watching!

[@elhistoriero1227]

You should do a documentary about Kaiser Motors.

[@AutoMoments]

Indeed, maybe someday. Thanks for watching!

[@Karmy.]

@martin r agreed! So lucky to have seen one in person

[@scootergeorge9576]

@martin r - I respectfully disagree. The tiny, heart shaped grill was weird. Engineers compromised the likes of the front fender by raising the headlight height. Now the pre war Packard Darrin was a great looking car.

[@snailer06]

A new documentary on "Henry J". Would be fascinating. I saw one about 25 years ago that was cheesy. One of the greatest life stories in history... historians have said he was instrumental in winning WWII by figuring how to make ships in days instead of months. He got the jump on the big 3 in the auto business right after the war with one of the first modern cars, but they soon caught up with better designs and marketing and swallowed all his customers and suppliers. He was a healthcare in the workplace pioneer too, among many other achievements.

[@snailer06]

@martin r Henry J. hated the Darrin. It was his wife that got some made. The doors are pretty cool, sliding into the front fenders, and it's fiberglas before the Corvette, but yeah, that front "grill" is hilarious.

[@kenbarker7492]

Awesome video! Great production and excellent information. Enjoyed the whole thing, topped off with the drone shots.

[@pazooter]

My grandfather in Kokomo, Indiana had one of these back in the 50's and early 60's when I was a very young.

[@auditedpatriot6376]

On VJ Day when Henry J. Was informed that Japan had surrendered, Henry J. Yelled "What do you mean the war is over? What the Hell am I supposed to do with a Shithouse full of steel!"

[@blackholeentry3489]

Interesting comment! I was born in Portland, OR, we lived on the outskirts and for many years my father worked in the Kaiser shipyards. You know how kids just accept their world as it is, but many times I have wished I would have asked him some questions about his work.

[@exxusdrugstore300]

These cars are drop dead gorgeous, it's a shame how unrecognized they are

[@AutoMoments]

We're doing our part to help spread the word! You can too by sharing this video. Thanks for watching!

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

America liked things that were past the utilitarian design, and unfortunately the Kaiser came off as just that. But the main reason was because every car was already gorgeous, and came in a vast rare variety of colors you would never see today.

[@appositech]

Thank you for such a lovely presentation. I had only heard the name only before, could not imagine a better way to be introduced than what you have done with such passion

[@slippery396]

I had a 47 Kaiser .... very good car ... sat rather high, but handled very good !! . . . and easy to work on.

[@fl350r]

I could have watched another 15 minutes about this car/man/company.

[@AutoMoments]

That's good to hear! We'll have a few follow-up videos coming soon!

[@gusneaker]

Me too!!

[@5610winston]

Kaiser was a fascinating man, a true self-made industrialist multi-millionaire, not a blowhard four-flusher, though he was known as something of a bully. By the way, Kaiser-Permanente health care is a descendent of his industries, too.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

EricTheNotSoRed, I could have watched more too!

[@kurtwuerfele6760]

Agreed! These are great!

[@afranca1825]

My grandfather had a Kaiser, it was a neat looking thing. I don't remember what model it was but it was pretty cool nonetheless.

[@lmommsen]

I LOVE our 1951 Kaiser! Thanks for this video!

[@AutoMoments]

Thanks for watching!

[@AJ6spd]

What a great video! The commentary, the content, the way of telling the story of Kaiser and Frazer was just excellent!

[@AutoMoments]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words!

[@alvinprettyman1802]

thanks for posting I was born in 1954 too

[@xclaustrox]

7:06, an early 60s IKA catalog from Argentina

[@danielshute1409]

Wanted to join for a long time, this video sealed the deal. Thank you for all your work and effort here and on motor week.

[@AutoMoments]

Excellent! We're glad to hear you subscribed. Thanks for watching!

[@kurtwuerfele6760]

Really fantastic video - first class! Thank you!

[@dressshoeguy]

That was a good video and a great looking car. It be cool if you could do a video of the Henry J or perhaps a Smart Car.

[@robertgodwin533]

3500 '54 Kaiser Specials were rebadged and retrimmed '53's. These cars were unsold '53 Manhattans and are referred to as "early" Specials (as the car in the video). Kaiser removed the entire front end of those unsold '53 Manhattans and replaced the fenders, hood, and bumpers with '54 fenders, hood and bumpers. They also replaced the '53 taillights and trim above the taillights with new '54 taillights and trim. The '53 Manhattan doors, lower body moldings and rear bumper were not changed resulting in the early Specials having Manhattan body trim in that area. When the '53 bodies were used up they changed the lower body trim on the rest of the '54 Specials to a narrow version and both the Specials and Manhattans received the new roof design. Hope this helps.

[@notyourtypicalwatchreview2563]

This is one of the best, if not the best, car videos I’ve seen, and I’ve seen a ton! Informative, extremely well written, great camera work, (nice drone footage!), truly a wonderful short film. If there was an award for Best Car Video, this would get my vote. I’ve produced and directed a variety of video and audio projects, and I can tell you, this is amazing. Thank you from a new subscriber!

[@AutoMoments]

Wow, thank you so much! We love it when people enjoy our videos! A lot of effort went into this one, so I'm glad to hear you liked it. Be sure to check out our other work!

[@riejurv50]

Love old automotive world, love to learn all this kind of stuff, sometimes it gets extremely late at night watching videos like yours or reading many many things like those online, its tough though then getting up early at morning for work hahaha

[@AutoMoments]

Well we've got a big archive of videos to watch, so be sure to check them out!

[@YOUGOTIT210]

Like Studebaker, Kaiser was ahead of its time.

[@vulekv93]

No it wasn't. If anything those cars were behind the times. They were run of the mill derivative cars in both design and performance.

[@hoodagooboy5981]

The '62 Studebaker Hawk was just a 1953 Commander with numerous face lifts.

[@jakekaywell5972]

@@hoodagooboy5981 It was still a very solid effort and quite pleasing relative to what the Big Three were putting out. Brooks Stevens did wonders. Source: I own a '62 GT Hawk myself.