1954 Kaiser Darrin
BaT Essentials
- Chassis: 161001233
- 40k Miles Shown, TMU
- 161ci Hurricane F-head Inline-Six
- Three-Speed Manual Transmission w/OD
- Pine Tint Green Paint
- Green Upholstery
- One of 435 Examples Produced
- Sliding Doors
- 15" Chrome Wire-Spoke Wheels
- Heater
- Plexiglass Wind Wings
- Side Curtains
BaT History (1 entry)
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This 1954 Kaiser Darrin is #233 of 435 production examples built for a single model year and was refurbished prior to the selling dealer’s 2016 purchase. Power comes from a 161ci Hurricane F-head inline-six paired with a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, and the fiberglass bodywork is finished in Pine Tint green over matching upholstery and black carpets. Features include sliding doors that retract into the body, a color-matched three-position soft top, a heater, and plexiglass wind wings. Work under current ownership included overhauling the carburetor, replacing the exhaust system and battery, and repainting the valve cover, oil filter cover, and air cleaner assembly. This Kaiser Darrin is now offered by the selling dealer with side curtains, recent service records, and a clean Massachusetts title.
The Darrin roadster was designed by California-based coachbuilder Howard “Dutch” Darrin and was among the first American production cars to feature fiberglass bodywork. The car was finished from the factory in Red Sail (156) and was repainted Pine Tint green under prior ownership. The replacement color-matched three-position soft top with chrome landau bars is shown raised above. Features include sliding doors that retract into the body as well as a chrome grille, bumpers with overriders, plexiglass wind wings, and separate decklids for the top and trunk.
Chrome wire-spoke steel wheels wear Kaiser Darrin center caps and are mounted with BFGoodrich Silvertown 5.90-15 wide-whitewall bias-ply tires. A full-size spare wheel is mounted under a body-color cover in the trunk. The Darrin frame and suspension were based on the contemporary Henry J and features an independent front suspension and a live rear axle with leaf springs. Braking is handled by four-wheel drums shared with the contemporary Kaiser Manhattan.
The seats, door panels, transmission tunnel, and dashboard are trimmed in green vinyl, while black carpets line the floors. Features include a padded dashboard, a cigar lighter, an ashtray, an under-dash heater, and a dash-mounted rearview mirror.
The white two-spoke steering wheel features a chrome horn ring and frames a 120-mph speedometer, a 6k-rpm tachometer, and gauges for oil pressure, fuel level, coolant temperature, and amperage. The five-digit odometer shows 40k miles, 211 of which have been added by the selling dealer. Total mileage is unknown.
The 161ci Hurricane F-head inline-six was factory rated at 90 horsepower and features a downdraft carburetor, a low-profile air cleaner, and a six-into-one cast iron exhaust manifold. Service in 2016 at Accurate Automotive of Hyde Park, Massachusetts, included detailing the engine compartment, overhauling the carburetor, replacing the exhaust system and battery, and repainting the valve cover, oil filter cover, and air cleaner assembly. The fuel tank and steel line were removed and cleaned in 2020 by the selling dealer.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive.
A pair of side curtains and recent service records are included in the sale.
Partially decoding the data plate reveals the following production information:
- Model 161 – Kaiser Darrin convertible
- Paint 156 – Red Sail paint
- Body No. 161-1233 – Body number 233
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| Current Bid | USD $50,000 by Mr.DCD |
| Time Left |
June 26, 2022 at 10:40AM PT
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| Ends On | Sunday, June 26 at 10:40am PT remind me |
| Bids | 19 |
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